Man charged with theft from car parked in New Forest

A man has been charged with stealing from a vehicle parked in the New Forest.

Police received a report that on the afternoon of 25 June 2023, a car parked in Whitemoor Car Park, Emery Down, had been broken into and tools and camping equipment had been stolen from within.

Following enquiries, 20-year-old Dillon Cooper, of Burnt House Lane in Bransgore, has been charged with theft from a motor vehicle.

He has been bailed with conditions to appear at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on 13 February.

We encourage people to read the following tips to help keep your car secure when parking in rural beauty spots:

• Never leave valuable possessions such as handbags, laptops, phones or sat navs on show inside your car. Even items of little value, such as shopping bags and clothing, may tempt a thief.
• Don’t hide your valuables in the boot. Someone may be watching.
• Always lock your car, wind up the windows and close the sunroof, even if you’re only leaving it for a few minutes.
• Double check it’s locked. It only takes a few seconds for your valuables to be stolen from an unlocked car.

For further crime prevention advice, go to: www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/protecting-yourhome-and-belongings/vehicle-crime/