Police are hunting for information after a cast iron stag ornament was stolen from the grounds of The Hurst Community College in Baughurst.
The stag, which is about 5ft in height and 3ft in length was taken from the Brimpton Road school between midnight on May 1 and 9am on May 5.
Police believe the theft may be linked to a similar incident in which an iron Heron garden ornament was stolen from the front garden of a house in Baughurst Road.
The latter incident occurred between 5pm on April 30 and 5pm on May 1.
PC Miriam Edwards said that officers have noted an rise in metal ornament thefts and warned residents to be on their guard.
She said: “Thefts of metal garden ornaments appear to be on the increase. Anyone with such items should be aware of this and are encouraged to report any similar incidents to us.
“We would also recommend that people keep photos and details of the items to pass on to us if they are stolen.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Edwards at Basingstoke police station on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
