THE owner of an exclusive boutique in Bishop's Waltham is appealing for help to trace the daylight thieves who stole four designer dresses.

Dawn Inglis is urging the public to alert the police if they are offered any of the garments at knock-down prices at markets.

Two of the dresses were stolen from Julia Henri in Brook Court off Brook Street on Saturday while the others were taken last Thursday.

On both occasions a group of women and teenagers entered the premises.

While one diverted the shop assistant's attention the others took the dresses which had only been recently delivered to the shop as part of its new autumn collection.

Ms Inglis, who has been in charge for the last two years, said: "We have been pretty badly hit during the last week.

"It makes you aware of everyone that comes into the shop. The thieves were very professional in how they went about it.

"But I believe they will have no use for the garments which are very dressy and will try to sell them on.

"Most of our customers buy them for awards ceremonies and for going on cruises."

On Saturday a black dress by London designer John Charles decorated with bronze and silver beads valued at £360 was stolen.

A black £400 Serenade dress was also snatched.

Just two days before police believe the same thieves were responsible for stealing a £480 red beaded Gia Scala size 18 dress and a £480 Serenade navy dress decorated with silver diagonal stripes.

Officers at Bishop's Waltham Police Station are now studying CCTV footage from the shop in a bid to trace the thieves.

PC Martin Gisbon said: "If anyone is offered these dresses they should contact the police immediately."

The theft comes a week after a major shake-up was announced which will see the number of officers based at Bishop's Waltham station more than halved.

Ten area car drivers, two sergeants and an inspector will relocate to Park Gate under the new plans.

Although the officers will continue to police the Meon Valley the re-organisation means only 11 officers will actually be based at Bishop's Waltham.