Bungling thieves who tried to steal six outboard engines from a boatyard in Swanwick had to abandon their getaway van when they got bogged down in a muddy field.
The Citroen Relay van was found stuck in the mud with the six outboard engines near to Eastlands Boatyard in Coal Park Lane.
The thieves had damaged the six boats as they stole the engines, but all the engines were recovered from the scene.
Detectives are investigating the incident and have liaised with other boatyards and marinas on the River Hamble to ensure they are aware of what has happened.
And they have appealed for information from anyone who knows who was using the van or saw it in the area around the time of the thefts, which were between 11.15pm on December 18 and 7.55am the next morning, December 19.
Anyone with information should contact Hampshire Constabulary on 101 and quote crime reference 44120489625.