Prowling burglars wearing face-coverings break into cars, steal items and damage property on Hayling Island

Officers are investigating six burglary reports, four thefts from vehicles and a car being stolen. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said: “We’re currently reviewing CCTV in the area, but believe the reports are linked as three men wearing drak clothing with face coverings were seen on a number of occasions.”

Police said the incidents started after a window was broken at a property in South Road and £7,000 worth of damage was caused to an outbuilding in Webb Lane. Two e-bikes were then stolen from a house in Southwood Road and a treadmill was destroyed inside a garage in St Benedict Road.

The force said an individual tried to break into a house in Nutbourne Road, with three people being disturbed following a break-in attempt at a garage in Herons Way. A Fiat 500 was then stolen in Copse Lane and later recovered in Southwood Road.

Ray-Ban sunglasses were swiped from a BMW in Herons Way, with a car also being broken into in Poplar Grove - though nothing was taken. A similar incident happened in Wheatlands Avenue, with a Volkswagen Tiguan being smashed into in Oyster Close. A purse and an iPad were taken from the German SUV.

Police said: “Enquiries are ongoing to establish the movements of the suspects and to develop a more detailed description. We are reviewing CCTV and doorbell footage in the area, but if you have any footage of suspicious activity overnight on Hayling Island that you think can help our enquiries we want to hear from you.”

Anyone with information is advised to call 101, quoting 44240459965, or submit a report online via the police website. People can also contact the indpendent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111, or through its website.