Five arrested in estimated half a million pound burglary conspiracy investigation

Five people have been arrested as part of an investigation into the organised theft of plant machinery in Hampshire.

Officers conducted warrants and searches in Southampton and Totton today (Wednesday 6 May) including at a commercial premises in Paynes Road, Southampton.

Here, a number of items were seized including some suspected counterfeit cigarettes and a forklift, with officers forcing entry to storage units and vehicles to carry out thorough searches. 

Elsewhere, officers seized clothing items and mobile phones.

Over the course of the day, a 52-year-old man, a 40-year-old man, a 45-year-old woman, a 48-year-old man and a 47-year-old man were all arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary.

They remain in custody at this time.

This forms part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged theft of plant machinery, RHIBs, generators and fuel from across Southampton and the surrounding areas.

It’s estimated that around half a million pounds worth of equipment has been stolen in more than 30 incidents between 5 February 2025 and 17 April this year.

Plant machinery theft is a problem not only for our communities in Hampshire, but nationwide. This equipment can be difficult to trace, but easy for criminals to transport.

We urge people to keep reporting crimes and suspicious incidents in rural areas or on building sites to police. This includes details and descriptions of any people or vehicles you see may have seen. 

If you have information about crime or suspicious activity in your area, please report this to police on 101, or via the report tool at www.hampshire.police.uk

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org

Dial 999 if a crime is in progress, or in the event of an emergency.