Crime, New Forest | Posted on August 7th, 2025 | return to news

Campaign launched to target New Forest thefts

Hampshire Police and New Forest District Council are conducting a campaign this summer to prevent thefts.

The New Forest welcomes visitors, however, Hampshire Police are urging people to take care of their possessions as they launch a campaign targeting theft.

This August, posters, leaflets, digital advertising, petrol pump advertising and social media will all be used to spread the message ‘Love it. Lock it’ to bike owners and ‘Take your items with you’ to drivers when they are parking up and visiting the New Forest.

Officers will be focusing their attention by directly engaging with the public around the New Forest with a particular focus on car parks and campsites to highlight this issue to them and to offer tips and resources so they can better protect their possessions from thieves.

Supported by partners at New Forest District Council, Camping in the New Forest, and Forestry England, tourists visiting to go hiking, cycling or camping will see signage and posters on display.

Officers will be patrolling beauty spot areas and collaborating with businesses within the district to provide resources and advice, as well as deterring thieves from targeting bikes and vehicles. Checks will be carried out on vehicles and bikes to see if they have adequate security and information will be shared with those that require improvement with advice on how to do so.

Theft often occurs when bikes aren’t locked securely with a robust locking mechanism to a solid structure fixed to the ground or the bike itself isn’t registered. Theft from motor vehicles happen usually because items, even non-valuables, are left inside or because doors are left unlocked and the windows open.

There are two bike registering events taking place this summer:

Wednesday 20 August at 10am at the East Boldre Village Stores, Chapel Lane, East Boldre, SO42 7WP
Saturday 27 September at 11am at New Park, Brockenhurst, SO42 7QH

Chief Inspector Scott Johnson, New Forest District commander, said: “The New Forest is a safe and welcoming place to visit all year round, but we’re working closely with partners and the community this summer to see a reduction in bike theft and theft from vehicles on previous years. We’re committed to making it harder for criminals to operate in the district, so that everyone can continue enjoying the outdoors, whether you’re here for a day visit or longer.

“We want to encourage all tourists and residents to take simple steps to protect their bikes and secure their vehicles to greatly reduce the chances of their possessions from being stolen. By working together, we can continue to keep the New Forest a wonderful place to visit; your actions make a difference and will help to prevent thieves from targeting you. If you see anything suspicious it’s important that you report it to keep the community safe and protected.”

Cllr Dan Poole, portfolio holder for Community, Safety and Wellbeing said: “New Forest District Council, through our community safety partnership of Safer New Forest, are keen to ensure residents and visitors follow these positive steps. As a partnership, we continue to invest in and provide free bicycle marking schemes to deter incidents of theft and where stolen, have property returned to its owner.”