A NUMBER of boats have been stolen from a yacht club in the New Forest.

Five dinghies and seven outboard motors were stolen from the Royal Lymington Yacht Club and from Bath Road.

The thefts were reported to Hampshire Constabulary's Marine Unit between April 23 and May 8.

A total of five dinghies and seven outboard motors have been stolen.

PC Mark Arnold, from the Marine Unit, said: “This is clearly a concern for the boating community in the Lymington area and we take this type of crime seriously.

“We are proud of our strong relationship with our sailing community, and I would like to reassure them that we are working closely with the local harbour masters and partner agencies to tackle the issue and protect vessels moored on our waters.

“As a result of our ongoing enquiries we have increased patrols on the water in the area and we are offering the necessary crime prevention advice to sailing clubs.”

He added: “We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously around Royal Lymington Yacht Club or Bath Road, as you may have information that could assist with our investigations.”

Police are reminding boat owners to record all serial and engine numbers because this helps officers reunite any stolen items to their owners.

They also urge people to mark their items as this helps to deter thieves because these items are more difficult to sell on.