THOUSANDS of pounds were stolen from a farm shop centre in Hampshire.

Thieves broke into The Good Life Centre in Headbourne Worthy near Winchester overnight on Wednesday and stole £4,500.

The external alarm box was smashed at 11.11pm and entry was gained to the building via a fire exit. Offenders have then used a fire extinguisher to gain entry through an internal door and into the safe.

A takings envelope was later found discarded in the river near to Micheldever.

The incident has left staff shaken and a post on the Facebook page for The Good Life Centre, said: “During the night we were broken into.

"We want to let customers and other local businesses know, as these people were almost professional in their approach, and knew exactly what they were doing.

“Staff here are all extremely upset, and shaken by this incident, and ask that if anybody heard or saw anything around 11.30pm last night, please contact us or the police.

Police are appealing for witnesses and urge people with information to call 101 quoting crime reference number 44160168814.