One teenager has pleaded guilty and another awaits trial after police seized more than 100 items of boat gear from two addresses in Eastleigh.

Around 25 thefts from boats were reported in October and November in the Hamble, but police suspect the number could be much higher as many yacht owners are not on board at this time of year.

The items discovered range from night-sight binoculars, GPS’s, autohelms, outboards and laptops to toilet rolls, hobnobs and peanut.

They were taken at night after the thieves used bolt croppers to break padlocks and smashed washboards to gain access.

PC Martin Brewer said: ‘If you know what you’re doing like these lads did, it is relatively easy to break into a boat, compared to a car for instance.

‘Leaving expensive electrical items on the boat over the winter is probably not a good idea.’

Only 50 per cent of the stolen goods have been identified so far and PC Brewer is wanting yachtsman to come forward and identify the rest of the goods.

If no-one comes forward then the items will be returned to the teenagers as it cannot be proven that the goods are stolen.

The two youths, aged 16 and 17, were arrested on November 28. One pleaded guilty to theft and handling stolen goods and was sentenced to a 12 months youth rehabilitation order at Southampton Youth Court. The other will stand trial in January.

Anyone who recognises their property or has any other information is asked to contact PC Martin Brewer of the Priority Crime Team at Eastleigh on 0845 0454545 or e-mail martin.brewer@hampshire.pnn.police.uk.

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