POLICE are appealing for information after five outboard motors worth a total of £50,000 were stolen in Hampshire.

The five Yamaha engines were taken from industrial marine premises at Bridge Road, Lymington, on Monday.

PC Robert Hone, said: “This burglary appears to have been committed by organised criminals who have specifically targeted these premises and taken very heavy valuable engines.

“Some of the engines weigh in excess of 350kg and would take several people to lift.

"The offenders would have needed a van or even larger vehicle to transport them.

“We believe the offenders would have had a good level of knowledge on both the mechanical method of removal and the geographical detail of the sites they have targeted.

"We strongly suspect they have conducted scoping exercises before returning to steal.

"I would urge anyone who witnessed any suspicious people or vehicles in the area, to come and speak to us.

“We would like all marine premises in the area to review their security and consider CCTV and ANPR camera systems as well as a good quality alarm. Suspicious activity should be reported immediately on 999.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Hone at Lyndhurst police station on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.