BURGLARS who forced their way into two independent Hampshire businesses are being hunted by police.

The raiders stole around £20,000 worth of designer baby and children’s clothes in their first strike, before breaking into a power tool firm just hours later.

Officers believe the crimes were carried out by the same people behind two further offences in the county.

The first of the break-ins happened at around 1.30am on Saturday, November 5.

Two people forced their way into children’s clothing boutique Etikett, in High Street, Botley, before loading goods into a dark-coloured vehicle.

Shortly after 11pm the same day, Salco Tools on Baddesley Park Industrial Estate in North Baddesley was targeted, with power tools taken from the property, before a dark-coloured car was seen driving away at speed.

Both burglaries lasted for just a few minutes.

Police believe the offenders were using a black Volkswagen Golf with false registration plates that had previously been stolen from a car in Aldershot.

At the time of the raids, the registration number on the car was PE08 YSD, although officers believe the criminals may now have changed them again.

PC Abbie Leeson said: “The offenders have targeted commercial premises and stolen high-value goods which has had a devastating effect on small independent businesses in these difficult economic times.

“We’d be really keen to hear from anyone who knows anything about these burglaries or who believes they may have been offered any of the items for sale.

“I would also like to hear from anyone who sees the car that was used that had false plates on.”

PC Leeson urged businesses to keep full records of their stock, including listing serial numbers and using property coding where possible, to help identify stolen goods.

Anyone with information should call her using the non-emergency police 101 number, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.