Crime, New Forest | Posted on October 27th, 2026 | return to news

Bicycle theft and break-ins drop in New Forest

Police say it was fantastic to see a significant decrease in those crimes over the summer.

Operation Forestguard has been a success as the number of bicycles stolen, thefts from motor vehicles, and non-dwelling burglaries has fallen by an average of 45 per cent in the New Forest.

New figures show that between June and September reported offences were down by 166 compared to the same period in 2024, with bicycle theft reduced from 72 to 57 offences. Shed and garage burglaries were reduced from 66 to 26 and theft from motor vehicles reduced from 205 to 94.

During the return of the crime prevention summer campaign, tourists and residents were warned to act and protect their possessions from thieves stealing bicycles and breaking into vehicles, sheds, and garages.

Officers ramped up efforts during the summer and peak tourist season, when most people were spending more time outdoors with high visibility patrols in areas such as campsites and car parks, targeting offenders, carrying out free bicycle registering and marking events, and sharing crime prevention advice and materials.

Fuel pump adverts and a social media campaign helped to spread awareness of the key messages to bicycle owners to ‘Love It? Lock It.’, ‘Take Your Items With You’ to drivers and their passengers, and ‘Lock Everything Securely’ to residents with outbuildings.

Officers worked closely with partners including the New Forest District Council, Forestry England, Camping in the New Forest, the New Forest National Park Authority, and British Transport Police to keep communities safe.

In September 2026, two men were jailed for a combined 11 years and five months after pleading guilty to offences after a burglary and vehicle-related theft series between June 2025 and January 2026 in the New Forest. A total of more than £100,000 worth of property was reported stolen from multiple victims.

Residents are being encouraged to continue following crime prevention advice to keep their property secure and to attend free property marking sessions to deter thieves and to make it easier to return items to their owners if they’re stolen. These events can be found by entering your postcode in the ‘Find Your Area’ section of the Force’s website homepage and navigating to the ‘Meetings and Events’ tab.

Chief Inspector Scott Johnson, New Forest District Commander, said: “It’s very reassuring and fantastic to see the significant decrease in these crimes over the summer. Our policing efforts alongside partners and the public are essential to preventing theft and burglary which can have long-term impacts on victims.

“I would like to say a very big thank you to all those involved, and to residents and visitors of the New Forest who took action to keep property secure, and their possessions protected from thieves.

“We want to keep the New Forest a safe and wonderful place to live and visit, and we will do so by continuing our crime prevention work all year round. It’s important that everyone continues to follow the crime prevention advice and to take advantage of the free property marking and registering sessions.”

Denis Dooley, CEO Camping in the New Forest, said: “We’re pleased to have supported Operation Forestguard this summer, helping our visitors enjoy their stay in the New Forest safely and confidently. Across our campsites, we’ve improved bike storage, followed guidance and shared information to support prevention and encourage visitors to protect their belongings.

“It’s particularly encouraging to see the positive impact of the campaign, with no reported bike thefts at our campsites during the campaign period.”

A report can be made to the police by calling 101 or online. Always call 999 in an emergency. Any information about a theft or burglary, can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers.