NEARLY 50 cars were caught breaking the speed limit when community volunteers went looking for speeders. 

The group were on the lookout on Southampton Road in Poulner, Ringwood, earlier this week. 

Of the 170 cars they clocked, 48 went over the 30mph speed limit – seven of which went 35mph and above. 

The volunteers say the fastest car clocked was 39mph. 

A spokesperson for Ringwood Police said: “Unfortunately there are still far too many people driving far too quickly through these residential streets, posing a risk not only to themselves but to other road users, pedestrians, wildlife, and people's property too.  

“Remember, it's a speed limit, not a target, and saving 30 seconds on your journey is never going to be worth the cost of causing somebody a serious injury or worse.” 

Officers have also been out this week attending a number of properties across the New Forest to mark power tools, bikes, trailers and more. 

Ringwood Police said: “This is an excellent initiative when it comes to helping protect the property of local residents as these items will now be easily identifiable should they be recovered by police, which will help to make them a less opportune target for thieves, as well as increasing the amount of property we are able to identify and return to the rightful owners in the unfortunate case that it has been stolen.” 

They added: “As well as this we have still been busy behind the scenes investigating crime reports, following up with and working to safeguard vulnerable victims and witnesses, liaising with businesses in the community to offer crime prevention and joint working advice, and carrying out high-visibility patrols to combat increased reports of anti-social behaviour in the town to name a few.  

“As always, feel free to stop us for a chat if you see us out and about around town, and make sure to report any suspicious behaviour or crimes by visiting the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary website, or by phoning 101, or 999 in an emergency.”