Appeal for witnesses and information following attempted theft from vehicle incidents in West End

Officers investigating four reports of vehicle interference and attempted theft from vehicle in the West End area are appealing for witnesses and information.

The incidents all occurred between 3.45am and 5am on Sunday 19 January.

Two took place on Harbourne Gardens between 3.48am and 4am. Incident numbers 44250026664 and 44250026693 refer.

Another occurred on Helford Gardens between 3,45am and 3.50am. Incident number 44250027259 refers.

A fourth was on Grosvenor Gardens between 4.55am and 5am. Incident number 44250027243 refers.

During all four incidents, attempts have been made to gain entry to the vehicles. Thankfully, no items were reported stolen.

If you were in the area at the time of any of these incidents, witnessed anything suspicious, or have any photos or video footage, including dash cam, doorbell camera or mobile phone, please call 101 and quote the corresponding incident number.

You can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Eastleigh District Commander, Chief Inspector Rachel Noble, said: “I understand the concern that such incidents can cause within the local community.

“I want to reassure you all that my teams and officers are working extremely hard to investigate these reports, as well as prevent further incidents from occurring.

“Enquiries and proactive patrols will continue in the affected area, and beyond, so please come and speak to officers if you want to discuss or ask anything, or if you have any information you wish to share. They will be happy to hear from you.

“In the meantime, if you witness any suspicious activity around vehicles where you live, please call us and report it as soon as possible. If the incident is ongoing and a crime is in progress, please always dial 999.”

If your vehicle has also been entered or tampered with in any way, and you are still yet to report this to us, please do so at the earliest opportunity. As well as 101, you can also do this via the below links;

How to tell us about an existing case or report | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary

Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org)

Below is a link to some important crime prevention advice, specifically relating to vehicle-related thefts and how to protect your property from thieves. Please take a moment to read and share with family and friends.

Prevent theft from a vehicle | Crime Prevention | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary

In summary, please always remove valuables, don’t leave anything on display, close the windows, lock the vehicle before leaving it for any period of time, and double check it’s locked before walking away.