Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak with following two shoplifting incidents at a toy store in Hedge End. Officers report that five Vtech baby monitors worth a total of £719.94 were stolen from the Smyths Toys store on Tollbar Way. These thefts took place on two separate occasions earlier this year, on 25 January and 11 February 2026.
The man police are looking for is described as white, approximately 30 years old, and around 5ft 10ins tall with a medium build and a scruffy beard. During the incidents, he was seen wearing a long black puffer jacket, black or grey jogging bottoms, a black cap, and black Crocs. Members of the public who recognise the individual are being asked to come forward to help with the ongoing investigation.
Retail crime has become a growing concern in the region, with police records showing that shoplifting offences in Hampshire reached a record high of 15,743 incidents during 2024. Groups like the Eastleigh Neighbourhood Watch Association work with around 9,000 local households across 300 schemes to share information and help keep businesses safe. These incidents at the Bradbeers Retail Park affect local shops that provide dozens of jobs for people living in and around the town.
Information about the case was shared by the Hampshire Alert messaging service on 20 March 2026. Anyone with information about the man or the stolen baby monitors can contact the police directly. When calling or messaging, residents should mention the incident reference number 44260076309 to ensure the details reach the correct officers.
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