Police Appeal for Witnesses After Spate of Vehicle Thefts in Bishop’s Waltham

Police have launched a witness appeal following a series of thefts from motor vehicles in Bishop’s Waltham overnight between 2 and 3 July.

Officers are investigating multiple incidents where cars were accessed—many believed to be unlocked—and a range of items were stolen, including cash, keys, a laptop, sunglasses, and in one case, an entire vehicle.

The thefts occurred across several residential roads, including Albany Court, Marlow Road, Cunningham Avenue, and Greens Close. Hampshire Constabulary has reassured the public that investigations are ongoing and that they are pursuing “solid lines of enquiry.”

Among the most notable incidents:
• A grey Renault Kadjar was stolen from Marlow Road between 11pm on 2 July and 4.30am on 3 July.
• A laptop and rucksack were taken from a vehicle on Albany Court, though the bag was later recovered nearby.
• Several other vehicles were targeted across the town, with offenders stealing cash, car keys, and personal items such as a driving licence and sunglasses.

Most of the offences appear to have occurred in the early hours of 3 July, with some incidents recorded as early as 2.30am. In many cases, small amounts of loose change were taken, suggesting the thefts were opportunistic.

Appeal for Witnesses

Police are urging anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area or who may have CCTV, doorbell camera footage, or other relevant information to come forward. Reports can be made by calling 101 or submitting details online via the Hampshire Constabulary website, quoting the relevant reference number.

Police have received reports that:
A vehicle was accessed on Battery Hill, Bishop’s Waltham, at around 3am yesterday (3 July). Nothing was stolen (44250295648).
A vehicle was accessed on Albany Court, Bishop’s Waltham, at around 2.45am yesterday (3 July). Loose change was stolen (44250293687).
A vehicle was accessed on Albany Court, Bishop’s Waltham, at around 2.30am yesterday (3 July). A rucksack and laptop were stolen. The bag, which contained the laptop, was later found close to the scene (44250293802).
A grey Renault Kadjar had been stolen from Marlow Road, Bishop’s Waltham, between 11pm on 2 July and 4.30am on 3 July (44250293857).
A vehicle was accessed on Cunningham Avenue, Bishop’s Waltham, between 7.30pm on 2 July and 8.10am on 3 July. Keys were stolen (44250293893).
A vehicle was accessed on Blanchard Road, Bishop’s Waltham, between 7.50pm on 2 July and 8.35am on 3 July. £5 in cash was stolen (44250294033).
A vehicle was accessed on Marlow Road, Bishop’s Waltham, between 11pm on 2 July and 7am on 3 July. Sunglasses were stolen (44250294227).
A vehicle was accessed on Edington Close, Bishop’s Waltham, between 10pm on 2 July and 8am on 3 July. £20 in cash was stolen (44250294970).
A vehicle was accessed on Greens Close, Bishop’s Waltham, between 10pm on 2 July and 9am on 3 July. Loose change was stolen (44250295006).
A vehicle was accessed on Northfield Close, Bishop’s Waltham, between 11pm on 2 July and 8am on 3 July. Loose change was stolen (44250295400).
A vehicle was accessed on Abbots Road, Bishop’s Waltham, between 8pm on 2 July and 6am on 2 July. Nothing was stolen (44250295604).
A vehicle was accessed on Waltham Road, Bishop’s Waltham, between midnight on 2 July and 8am on 3 July. A driving licence was taken, but was found nearby (44250295632).

Crime Prevention Advice

In light of the incidents, officers are also reminding residents to be vigilant and take steps to protect their vehicles from theft. This includes:
• Locking all doors and windows, even if the vehicle is parked on a driveway.
• Removing valuables from view, including bags, cash, and electronics.
• Physically checking that locks are engaged after using remote keys.

Owners of keyless entry vehicles are being particularly urged to secure their keys using Faraday pouches or signal-blocking tins, and to store them well away from front doors or windows where thieves may attempt to intercept the signal.

Products approved by Secured by Design or Sold Secure are recommended for extra protection.

More information on vehicle security can be found at:
Hampshire Police: Keeping Your Vehicle Safe

What to Do

If you witness a crime in progress, always call 999. For non-emergency reports, use 101 or report online via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website.