HAMPSHIRE police are warning farmers and agricultural workers to tighten security after two thefts of tractors were reported within days.

As previously reported an orange Kubota mini tractor was taken from a farm in Lockerley, but now a second identical vehicle has been taken from a sports ground in Burridge.

Groundsman Keith Petley told the Daily Echo how he was contacted by committee staff at the sports ground off Botley Road to say that the gates to the ground had been broken into and his tractor, worth £8,500, had been taken.

The vehicle, a B2710 model, had only recently been bought by Mr Petley after he set up his business.

Mr Petley, 50, from Fair Oak, said: “It is really frustrating having only just set up the business, Southern Ground Care. The ground was securely locked so they must have known what they were after.”

The theft is thought to have happened sometime between 10am on Saturday and midday on Sunday.

It comes after another tractor was stolen from a barn in Lockerley, where thieves cropped through a steel fixing to which the vehicle was chained.

Hampshire police are now urging people with agricultural equipment to ensure that it is securely locked away when not in use.

Anyone with information can contact Hampshire police on 101.