A HUNT has been launched for hooligans who stole tins from a mobile food bank and poured them over residents' gardens near Romsey on Saturday.

A group of youngsters snatched cans from the St Francis Church donation box in Raglan Close, Eastleigh, around 5.40pm before throwing food on pavements.

Liberal democrat Alan Dowden is calling on Hampshire police to bring the "despicable" culprits to justice, claiming they fled the scene once they were confronted by neighbours.

"It is mindless; they knew what they were doing was wrong, because they probably knew it was a mobile food bank, which was on Sarah McClelland's driveway [the lead minister at St Francis Church]," Mr Dowden said.

Cllr Dowden said he was alerted to the gang's behaviour on Sunday morning when he received a call from a concerned woman after her father-in-law's doorstep was targeted by vandals.

He explained: "A daughter-in-law told me some youths had dumped a tin of spaghetti hoops all over her father-in-law's doorstep, who is more than 90-years-old.

"When they were doing this a neighbour saw them and they were chased off, but they must be from the area because at the end of Raglan Close there is a footpath, which leads to a woodland so they dispersed from there."

Hampshire Chronicle: One of the propoerties that was targeted in Raglan Close

He added: "These young people need to have some liberties taken away from them for taking tins that would go to deprived families.

"I want people who have any information about this to come forward, because we have to try and get these culprits."

Hampshire police confirmed an investigation has been launched in a bid to track down the thieves.

Sarah McClelland's husband, Cliff, told the Advertiser he was not shocked by the incident, adding: "[The donation box] is an easy target for a couple of teenagers who are bored, but let's get hold of them, find out who they are and work to support them."

He added this incident has never happened in their neighbourhood before and they will keep the box outside of their house unless the situation worsens.

A police appeal said: "Were you in the area at the time? Did you see what happened? Perhaps you have dash-cam footage at the time of the incident?

"Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting 44210027907. Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."