Police have arrested three men in connection with a spate of vehicle-related thefts in the Botley, Hedge End, and Bursledon areas. The arrests were made on Wednesday morning, September 25, at an address in Southampton.
The suspects include two 24-year-old men from Southampton and a 21-year-old man from Fareham. One of the 24-year-olds was arrested on suspicion of seven thefts from motor vehicles, theft of a motor vehicle, and burglary with intent to steal. The other faces allegations of eight thefts from motor vehicles, theft of a motor vehicle, burglary with intent to steal, and possession of a Class B controlled drug. The 21-year-old is suspected of eight thefts from motor vehicles, two thefts of motor vehicles, and burglary with intent to steal.
All three suspects have been released on conditional police bail, pending further investigation. Their bail conditions include curfews, exclusion zones, and restrictions on associating with one another.
The arrests follow a series of thefts reported between Monday, September 23, and Tuesday, September 24. The incidents took place in multiple locations, including Kingsman Drive, Lewry Road, Marls Road, Wallace Avenue, and Sandy Field Way in Botley, as well as Fosters Copse in Bursledon and Shafford Meadows in Hedge End.
District Commander Matt Paling acknowledged the impact these incidents have had on the local community and reassured residents that police are committed to resolving the matter. Our teams are working extremely hard to progress our investigation, as these latest arrests demonstrate. We are committed to bringing those responsible to justice and will continue our efforts to ensure this happens,” he said.
Police officers will be conducting additional patrols in the affected areas to provide reassurance to residents. Anyone with concerns is encouraged to approach the officers for support or information.
Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information or footage, including CCTV, doorbell, or dash cam recordings, to contact the police by calling 101 and quoting incident number 44240413704. They are also encouraging any other victims of vehicle-related thefts to report these incidents promptly.
