Homes and businesses between Farnham and Bordon were twice left in the dark last week after emergency generators were targeted by thieves.

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) brought in generators to power homes around Bucks Horn Oak and Dockenfield early last week while engineers upgraded the local network.

But many woke up without power last Tuesday (December 3) as thieves stripped the generators of some parts during the early hours.

Engineers later replaced the parts and reactivated the generators but the thieves struck again two nights later, with the early Tuesday and Thursday morning incidents taking place around 2.30am.

The police have been notified of both incidents but they also prompted SSEN to bring in extra staff and speed up work, with the upgrade finishing ahead of schedule.

A spokesperson for the firm said: “SSEN began upgrade works to boost the resilience of power supplies for customers in Bucks Horn Oak and Dockenfield on Tuesday, December 3.

“Generators were put in place for the duration of the works which were due to finish on December 6.

“Parts of this equipment were removed on Tuesday at around 2.30am, resulting in customers being off supply until morning when engineers were able to replace the parts and re-activate the generators.

“But around 2.30am on Thursday (Dec 5), SSEN was again made aware that power supplies were again interrupted by these replacement parts being removed.”

The location of the generators has not been confirmed but Hampshire Police have appealed for witnesses.

A spokesperson said: “We are investigating a report of entry being forced to a site in Bucks Horn Oak where two generators and cables were being stored.

“Anyone who has any information can call 101 or go to our website, and report this using crime reference number 44240528617.”