Police Issue Crime Prevention Advice Following Spate of Vehicle Thefts in West End

Police are appealing for witnesses and CCTV footage following a series of vehicle break-ins and thefts reported across the West End area over the past week.

According to Hampshire Constabulary, multiple incidents have occurred between 1 and 4 November 2025, with offenders targeting unlocked vehicles and stealing small valuables, coins, and electronic devices. In some cases, cars were searched and left in disarray, while others were interfered with but not entered.

Among the incidents reported:
• Mill Gardens – Theft from vehicle between 12:05am and 01:30am on 4 November. Coins and a dashcam were taken (Ref: 44250499676).
• Telegraph Road – Vehicle interference around 01:30am on 4 November, when a man was seen trying car door handles (Ref: 44250498860).
• Mill Gardens – Attempted theft from vehicle between 12:45am and 12:55am on 4 November (Ref: 44250498843).
• Mill Gardens – Vehicle interference at 07:25am on 4 November; vehicle rummaged through but no sign of forced entry (Ref: 44250498773).
• Telegraph Road – Theft from vehicle between 01:00am and 01:30am on 4 November; stolen items included running shoes, sunglasses and a box of chocolates (Ref: 44250498618).
• Lynn Close – Attempt theft from vehicle just before midnight on 1 November; £5 stolen from a purse (Ref: 44250495673).
• Midlands Estate – Attempt theft from vehicle at 07:10am on 1 November; male suspect entered the car and searched compartments (Ref: 44250494589).
• Arun Road – Vehicle interference between 05:00am and 06:35am on 1 November; two males were seen examining and trying car doors (Ref: 44250494884).

Police are reviewing existing CCTV and doorbell footage but are appealing for any additional recordings that may help identify those responsible.

“Sadly, we do usually see an increase in vehicle crime in the autumn and winter months,” a police spokesperson said.

Police asking residents to remain vigilant, check that vehicles are locked, and report anything suspicious to them immediately.

Crime Prevention Advice

Officers have urged residents to take simple precautions to reduce their risk of becoming a victim:
• Always lock vehicles and remove valuables, including bags, coats, coins, and electronics.
• For keyless entry cars, store keys in a Faraday pouch to block signal copying.
• Keep driveways and entrances well-lit, ideally with motion-activated lighting.
• Avoid leaving keys, handbags, or other valuables near doors or windows.
• Consider installing CCTV or video doorbells to deter opportunist thieves.

Police are also encouraging residents to register valuable items such as tools, bicycles, and electronics on www.immobilise.com to help identify stolen property.

Anyone with information or relevant footage is urged to contact police on 101, quoting the reference number of the relevant incident, or report online via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.