POLICE are warning Winchester residents to be on the lookout for a dark coloured car acting suspiciously on or near their properties after a spate of trailer thefts in the area.

Officers are linking a string of similar offences after at least three trailers worth hundreds of pounds were snatched from local fields and farms.

The latest reported incident took place in the early hours of yesterday morning at around 1.30am.

A property owner in Abbotstone Lane, Old Alresford, was awoken by a disturbance in his farmyard and shouted at them from his window.

The man could not see how many people were involved before they drove off but he is almost certain that they escaped in a dark coloured Daihatsu four-wheel-drive.

Sgt Wayne Curson, of Alresford police station, said: "People need to be vigilant, some of these trailers can be left on farmland for months and they should be moved to a secure compound or building if at all possible."

A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary added: "Anybody that sees any such vehicle acting suspiciously around their property should note the number plate and contact the police straight away."

The latest incident follows two other occasions when trailers were successfully snatched just days before.

One was taken from a field off the B3335 at Twyford between December 31 and January 2.

The home-made twin axle trailer was worth around £600.

An Ifor Williams flatbed twin axle trailer was taken from a farmyard at Itchen Stoke on the night of January 1.

Police do not know the specific value of the trailer, but it is thought to be worth at least £1,000.