Masked men spotted in spate of thefts, raids and attempted break-ins in Totton

POLICE are probing multiple thefts, break-ins and attempted break-ins reportedly involving five masked men in Totton.

Three motorcycles stolen from a driveway, and items snatched from at least one vehicle were among incidents said to have taken place during the early hours of yesterday (Sunday) morning.

Roadworks cones and netting were also said to have been moved to block off Alexander Close , with suspects spotted hiding in hedges alongside it.

The five men were described as wearing balaclavas and/or hooded tops.

The three motorbikes were reportedly taken shortly before 5am from the driveway of a property on ew Forest District Way in Totton.

Although recovered nearby, the ignitions on two of them had been damaged. Tools were also found next to them

There were reports of the suspects trying door handles of several vehicles and homes in the area.

“It was only when he and the others moved it all out of the way, that he spotted two figures wearing balaclavas crouching in the hedges, he called them idiots so they knew they’d been spotted.”

The witness later heard from a work colleague who also reported seeing the same block minutes earlier, as well as eight people in balaclavas.

The post continued: “This is just to warn you if travelling that way early hours of the morning and you come across this, do not get out of your car, do a u-turn and get out of that area fast.

“Whatever their reason was for doing it, it wasn’t a prank, their intentions were/are definitely not nice and are extremely suspicious.”

A Hampshire police spokesperson said reassurance patrols were being carried out in the affected areas over the coming days as enquiries continued.

People were urged to approach them if they have any questions or can share any information.

Officers want to hear from potential witnesses, as well as those who may have noticed any suspicious activity.

A force spokesperson said: “We also want to hear from you if you have any footage of any of the incidents, or the men described above, whether that be CCTV, dash cam, doorbell camera or mobile phone.”

Anyone with information should email hampshire.police.uk or call 101, quoting reference 44240252940.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously at crimestoppers-uk.org or on 0800 555 111.