Police have made four arrests and seized hundreds of suspected stolen tools after a four-month crimewave in East Hampshire and along the A3 corridor.

Since August, Hampshire Constabulary has received more than 100 reports in Hampshire of vans being broken into and tools being taken from within.

Most offences are concentrated around the east of the county and along the A3 corridor, taking place when it’s dark in the evenings or overnight. Areas targeted in East Hampshire include: Horndean, Petersfield, Greatham, Liphook and Bordon.

Four people have been arrested in connection with these offences:

A 24-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to steal from a motor vehicle.

A 60-year-old man from Surrey arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to steal from a motor vehicle.

A 26-year-old man from Bedfordshire arrested on suspicion of theft. 

A 26-year-old man from Buckinghamshire arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods. 

All four have been bailed pending further enquiries.

Hampshire Constabulary advises all tool owners to protectively mark their equipment so it can be easily returned if stolen.