A SOUTHAMPTON MP has called on judges to impose tough sentences for the “mindless thugs” ram-raiding businesses across Hampshire.

It comes after two similar attacks took place on shops within an hour of each other over the weekend.

The One Stop in Fairview Parade, Hythe, was raided just before 3am on Saturday morning.

Police were also called to the Tesco at Thornhill Park Road, Southampton, following a similar incident at 4.20am.

Officers say they are investigating whether the two could be linked, although no arrests have yet been made.

Southampton Itchen MP, Royston Smith has since condemned the attacks as “dangerous”.

He has also called for tough prison sentences for the criminals involved.

The Conservative MP said: “Ram-raids are not only traumatic for the victims whose premises have been destroyed and belongings stolen but also dangerous for people who may live above a commercial property.

“Enforcement is of course a matter for the police but when a prosecution is brought I hope the courts will take into account the risk to life by these mindless thugs and give them a long prison sentence.”

The Echo has reported on eight incidents since November, when ram raiders drove a car into Rownhams Services on the M27 and stole a cash machine.

Police say a white Transit-style van and a dark-coloured Land Rover Defender were used in the raid.

It was followed by a similar raid on an ATM of Tesco Express, in Watson Walk, Totton, in October.

In February, ram-raiders used a fork-lift track to smash their way into Lloyd’s Bank in Bishop’s Waltham.

A month later, vehicles were driven into Lloyds Pharmacy in Lordshill and McColl’s in North Baddesley, while One Stop in Millbrook was targeted in April.

A spokesperson for Hampshire police said: “Part of our investigation strategy is to conduct research into other reports of similar crimes to establish whether they could be linked.

“A number of lines of enquiry are being followed up to identify the offenders and we would urge members of the public to report any information to us which could assist our investigation.”