Flowers planted to commemorate VE and VJ day have been stolen from a town centre.

Around 20 to 30 plants, including red, white, and blue varieties, were pilfered from planters in Totton sometime between May 27 and 29.

The town has not only been targeted by green-fingered thieves after newly-installed commercial solar lighting was removed from a pedestrian bridge at the start of May. 

Cllr David Harrison branded the actions as "selfish". 

Totton and Eling Town Council expressed their disappointment, stating the thefts were a loss to the community and the town's image.

The council noted that due to cost and product demand, it may not be feasible to replace the stolen items.

David Harrison, councillor for Marchwood and Totton South, said: "These latest crimes against the community are particularly hard to swallow.

"It begs the question - how selfish can people be. The Council already spend huge sums trying to put right vandalism and theft but there are limits.”

Only last month, Cllr Harrison expressed his frustration after vandals targeted the Eling Boardwalk, leaving it inaccessible to pedestrians. 

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He added: "Every generation seems to have a minority of individuals who vandalise property.

"I rather doubt that it gives much joy to those involved.

"It always costs public money and time to rectify.

"Perhaps it is done to provoke a reaction but it is mostly a mindless activity that can’t properly be explained."

(Image: Totton & Eling Town Council)

A spokesperson for Totton and Eling Town Council said: "Although this is not the first time we have experienced plant thefts, we feel that this is such a loss to the local community and image of the town.  

"Plants have been taken within days of each time we’ve carried out planting, but what has been removed on this occasion is considerable.  

"Unfortunately, cost and product demand may prevent us from reinstating some or all of the above.  

"Should anyone have witnessed either of the above thefts or even suspicious behaviour in the areas mentioned around the dates stated, we would kindly ask that you contact us so we may pass on any information to the police."