WEST Mercia Police is asking people to be vigilant after two quad bikes and a ride-on lawn mower were stolen from homes near Redditch and Bromsgrove.

Officers are looking into a van that was seen and men who were asking for tree trimming work about the home where the thefts occurred.

The first incident happened between 3pm and 3.30pm on Monday, March 10, in Trickses Lane, Ham Green, near Redditch, when offenders forced entry to a secure shed and stole a green Weed Eater ride-on mower worth £1,500 and Husqvarna strimmer worth £200.

A neighbour reported seeing a green Ford Transit-type van on the grounds of the property around 3pm.

Between 4pm on the same day and 11am the next morning, in Foley Gardens, Stoke Prior, access was forced to a secure garage and a green Yamaha quad bike worth £5,500 was stolen.

At around midday on the Monday two men in a van had pulled up outside the address and offered to cut the tree down in the rear garden which was declined.

There was also an incident in Fockbury lane, Dodford, Bromsgrove, between noon and 5pm on Wednesday, March 12, when entry was gained to a secure barn and a Suzuki 250cc quad bike worth £1,600 was stolen.

At around 3pm a man visited the address and asked the victim if she wanted work doing on her trees, which she declined. He is described as white, aged 35 to 40, 5ft 9ins tall, of stocky build, with wavy thick dark hair, and wearing a black t-shirt.

PC Greg Moorman of West Mercia Police said officers were looking into whether the incidents were linked.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Moorman on the non-emergency number 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.