POLICE are looking for someone to squeal with information about thefts from a Hampshire farm.

Officers are searching for an estimated 157 piglets believed to have been stolen from Down Farm, near Winchester.

The four-week-old animals, valued at a total of £4,680, were targeted by rustlers over the past month.

The farmer noticed they were missing from a field off Port Lane, Oliver's Battery, last Thursday, a police spokesman said.

It is believed to be one of the biggest thefts of its kind in years in the Winchester area.

The piglets were being kept in the open air to be fattened up before being taken to market.

Sgt Bill Ord, of Twyford police, said it was possible that the raiders took the piglets over a period of time. He said if done at night the piglets would have been easy to approach and pick up.

Sgt Ord said: "I don't think the pigs were taken for eating as there would be little meat on them. More likely they have been taken by someone rearing a few pigs on the side.

"We have spoken to the National Farmers' Union and they are not aware of other similar thefts elsewhere."

Sgt Ord said the public could be of great help in catching the rustlers.

He added: "Someone might know someone who is suddenly acquiring pigs. If anyone notices anything suspicious or hears anything please let us know."

He said it was unlikely that the pigs were being taken by foxes.

"I think we can rule out normal predators. There would be some pretty fat foxes around."

The manager of the farm refused to comment on the thefts.