A MAN has been arrested following a spate of thefts from motor vehicles across the New Forest.

Officers who were investigating the thefts have arrested a 44-year-old man from Totton.

Since the beginning of August, there has been an increase in theft from motor vehicles – mainly work vans being targeted – in the Ringwood and Hythe areas.

A person of interest was identified by officers as driving a blue Renault Megane, which was stopped by specialist officers yesterday (August 26) in Hammond Lane, Totton.

When searching the vehicle, a wide-range of tools were located which are being linked to these burglaries.

A 44-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary. He remains in police custody at this time.