Police Release CCTV Image Following Spate of Vehicle Thefts in Bishop’s Waltham

Police have released a CCTV image of a man they wish to speak with in connection to a series of vehicle break-ins and thefts that took place in Bishop’s Waltham earlier this month.

The incidents, which occurred overnight between Wednesday 2 July and the early hours of Thursday 3 July, involved at least three suspects who are believed to have accessed multiple vehicles. Items reported stolen include cash, keys, sunglasses, a laptop, and a car.

A spokesperson for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed that officers have been conducting extensive enquiries and are now appealing to the public for help identifying the man shown in the released CCTV image.

“We are aware of the impact these incidents have on the local community,” the spokesperson said. “Please be reassured that our enquiries are ongoing as we continue to gather evidence in order to arrest offenders.”

Widespread Offences Across Residential Areas

Theft and vehicle access reports have come from multiple locations, including Albany Court, Marlow Road, Cunningham Avenue, Greens Close, and several surrounding streets. In many cases, vehicles are believed to have been left unlocked, with offenders stealing items of varying value—from small amounts of loose change to electronic devices and car keys.

Most of the offences appear to have occurred in the early hours of 3 July, with some incidents recorded as early as 2.30am.

Police have received reports that:
A vehicle was accessed on Battery Hill, Bishop’s Waltham, at around 3am on 3 July. Nothing was stolen (44250295648).
A vehicle was accessed on Albany Court, Bishop’s Waltham, at around 2.45am on 3 July. Loose change was stolen (44250293687).
A vehicle was accessed on Albany Court, Bishop’s Waltham, at around 2.30am on 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).

Appeal for Information and Witnesses

Police believe the man in the CCTV image may hold information critical to the investigation and are urging him—or anyone who recognises him—to come forward.

Residents are also being asked to check their CCTV, doorbell camera, or dashcam footage for suspicious activity between 2 and 3 July. Police say any footage, no matter how minor it may seem, could assist in identifying those responsible.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police by calling 101, quoting reference 44250293857, or by submitting details online via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website.

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.