Large amounts of chocolate, meat, washing powder and tablets, and boxes of wine stolen in spate of shopliftings at Tesco Express, Welcome and Streets ironmongers on Brookley Road in Brockenhurst

LARGE hauls of chocolate and other goods have been stolen in a spate of shopliftings that has prompted heightened police patrols in Brockenhurst.

Offenders travelling into the village from elsewhere in Hampshire, as well as from Dorset, are believed to be responsible for the thefts at Tesco Express, Welcome and Streets ironmongers, all on Brookley Road.

By Friday, 16 incidents were said to have taken place since September, with meat, washing powder and tablets, and boxes of wine also taken.

Police shared pictures online of local officers PC Fredericks and PC Foster patrolling the targeted stores last Thursday lunchtime.

“Although we are identifying lots of the offenders, who are prolific shoplifters, these high visibility proactive patrols are a great deterrent,” the post said.

A Hampshire force spokesperson told the A&T “several people” were being sought in connection with the incidents as investigations continue.