Three men have been arrested after a series of vehicle thefts in Botley, Hedge End and Bursledon. 

Two 24-year-old men from Southampton and a 21-year-old from Fareham have been arrested after a number of reported thefts on Monday (September 23) and Tuesday (September 24). 

The first man was arrested on suspicion of seven thefts from a motor vehicle, theft of a motor vehicle and burglary.

The second 24-year-old was arrested on suspicion of eight thefts from a motor vehicle, theft of a motor vehicle, burglary and possession of a Class B drug. 

The Fareham man was arrested on suspicion of eight thefts from a motor vehicle, two thefts of a motor vehicle and burglary.

READ MORE: Police charge 23-year-old Millbrook man with shoplifting

All three have been released on bail with conditions including curfews, exclusion ones and non-associations. 

It follows alleged incidents in Kingsman Drive, Lewry Road, Marls Road, Wallace Avenue and Sandy Field Way in Botley as well as Fosters Copse in Bursledon and Shafford Meadows in Hedge End.

District Commander, Matt Paling, said: “I fully understand the significant concern that incidents such as these will have caused within the communities affected and beyond.

“I want to assure you that our teams and officers are working extremely hard to progress our investigation into these incidents, as these latest developments should evidence.

“We are determined to bring those responsible to account and our relentless hard work and enquiries will continue to ensure this happens.

“Officers will also be completing reassurance patrols in the areas concerned, so please look out for them on you travels and please come over and have a chat with them if there’s anything you’d like to discuss or ask.

“We’ll be sure to keep you all updated with the latest on our investigation as and when we’re able to.

“If you have any information about any of the incidents described above, including any footage, such as CCTV, doorbell camera or dash cam, please call 101 and quote incident number 44240413704.

“If you have also been a victim of a vehicle-related theft, but have still yet to report this to us, please do so at the earliest opportunity.”