RAIDERS who stole thousands of pounds worth of designer sailing gear from a Hampshire chandlery could be behind a string of similar break-ins across the south.

Police believe the burglary at LDC Racing Sailboats in Chandler's Ford may be linked to several similar raids in recent months.

Clothing stolen in the raid included 21 unique gold and navy blue LDC "Frost Bite" dry suits, each bearing the company's distinctive logo.

Worth between £170 and £240 each, the sizes ranged from junior to extra large.

Police today released a photograph of the distinctive heavy-duty suits in the hope Daily Echo readers may have information about their whereabouts.

Also stolen were:

Five navy Henri Lloyd Sprint salopettes

Six navy Henri Lloyd Hammerhead smocks

Eight yellow Henri Lloyd dinghy smocks

Four Musto MPX O/D smocks in red and black

Nine navy and silver Gill breathable smocks.

The large chandlery and sailboat construction business on an industrial estate at Trafalgar Close was targeted in the early hours of Wednesday, May 30.

PC Clive Wooding, of Eastleigh police, said the raiders managed to force off metal sheet cladding on the front of a fire door to get into the premises.

After bashing through the door with a concrete post, the intruders crept into the main shop area and helped themselves to armfuls of the top-of-the-range designer-label clothing.

After setting off security alarms, the raiders are believed to have fled in a charcoal grey Vauxhall Belmont, which was seen speeding off from the scene at about 4.50am.

Anyone with information about the burglary or the stolen clothing is urged to call PC Wooding at Eastleigh police on 0845 045 4545. Alternatively, ring the free and anonymous Southern Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.