Third Avenue, Millbrook, Southampton, scene of the early morning raid. Photo: Alex McGregor CC-BY-SA-2.0

Bungling burglars managed to hit each other’s cars in an early morning raid on an outdoors retailer today.

Police are appealing for information from the public after the incident at the GO Outdoors store in Southampton during which a number of high-value jackets were stolen.

Hampshire Constabulary also asked anyone who is offered outdoor jackets for sale to contact them.

The gang struck at 4am on Sunday at the Millbrook store, but police said the raiders had been in the area since 3.30am.

CCTV showed them forcing entry into the car park on Third Avenue and then driving a blue Ford Escort and a silver Subaru with bonnet vents and black wheels on to the site. Police said at one point the Subaru was seen reversing into the Escort, which will have left both vehicles damaged.

After breaking into the GO Outdoors store and stealing a large number of jackets, they drove away. Police have not yet been able to identify which brand of clothing was stolen.

Detective Sergeant Stuart Barton said: “Has a blue Escort or silver Subaru with the damage described appeared in your neighbourhood this morning?

“If so, or if you’ve already been offered outdoor jackets for sale, we would be very keen to hear from you.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Southampton CID on 0845 045 45 45 or by calling 101 from Hampshire or the Isle of Wight. The public can also call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111. Mini-Com users can call 01962 875000.