Suspect arrested after 98 parcels disappear

Parcels left outside homes in the Test Valley and Winchester areas have been reported stolen

A 31-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a wave of parcel thefts over about three weeks.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said 98 parcels had been reported stolen between 31 August and 23 September across the Test Valley and Winchester areas.

The force said residents had reported they had not received parcels marked as delivered. Many also found the image sent to then to confirm delivery was not familiar or was blank, and GPS data provided for the delivery was incorrect.

The man from Swindon, Wiltshire arrested on suspicion of theft has been released from custody but remains under investigation.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary added officers were investigating whether the incidents were linked and if criminal offences had been committed.

The force said it was also working closely with the delivery company involved to find out what had happened.