TWO minibuses have been stolen from separate schools in Basingstoke and Deane in the past week, one of which was set on fire. 

The first minibus was stolen from The Loddon School in Sherfield-on-Loddon between 6pm on Monday, October 14 and 7.30am on Tuesday, October 15, Hampshire Constabulary said. 

The school, in Wildmoor Lane, provides education and care for children with autism, severe learning disabilities and associated complex restrictive behaviours.

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(Image: The Loddon School) In a separate incident, officers received a call before 10am on Monday, October 21 that a second minibus had been found at Bramshill Plantation, after being set on fire. 

The minibus was traced to Everest Community Academy, a secondary school in Oxford Way, Popley.

The vehicle was stolen from the school over the weekend of Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20.

The thefts come after two other minibuses were stolen from different primary schools in the area at the end of March and early April this year.

Whitewater CE Primary School, in The Street, Rotherwick, had its minibus stolen between 9am on Sunday, March 21 and 2pm on Monday, April 1 in the first incident.

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In a separate incident, a minibus was taken from the grounds of Great Binfields Primary School, in Binfields Farm Lane, Chineham, between 6pm on Sunday, March 31, and 2pm on Monday, April 1.

Hampshire Constabulary said it is "carrying out enquiries including whether the incidents are linked and whether they are linked to any previous similar incidents". 

The force is now urging schools with minibuses to 'be vigilant' and consider installing extra security measures including removing the battery from the vehicles.

Schools are also encouraged to install wheel clamps, gear stick locks and steering locks to prevent the vehicles from being stolen.

Hampshire Constabulary said: "If you have any information about these thefts please contact police sergeant Martyn Evans at Tadley Police station."