CONMEN are spinning a yarn about a cat being run over in a bid to trick motorists in the Eastleigh area.

Police are investigating reports that a man has approached drivers as they get out of their vehicles telling them they have run over a cat, which was then seen to run into a garden.

While the targeted person goes off to look for the cat, the offender snatches property from the unattended vehicle and makes off.

It is believed that the thief has an accomplice who remains in the villain's vehicle while his companion commits his devious crime.

Both suspects involved in this crime are thought to be white Europeans aged 20-30 years.

The cat con duo have struck at Merdon Avenue, Chandler's Ford where a man was putting tools in a van.

Police says he was returning to the garden when he was approached by a man who said he had just run over a cat. He helped look for the cat and when he returned to his van discovered a hedge cutter was missing.

Eastleigh police, in conjunction with the Eastleigh Community Safety Partnership, are warning motorists to be alert and vigilant when returning to their homes.

Anyone who is approached in this way is warned to exercise caution and ensure that personal effects are kept with them at all times and that they lock their vehicle before reporting the incident to Eastleigh police immediately by telephoning 0845 045 4545.