Attempts were made to take copper materials from a private residence, Hamphire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said.
Police received a report at 11.44am on Saturday, November 22, and a white Transit van was stopped by officers in Seaview a short time later.
Following a search of the van, a large amount of copper was discovered as well as a generator.
Three men from Southampton, a 20-year-old, a 39-year-old, and a 40-year-old, were arrested on suspicion of attempted burglary other than dwelling with intent to steal and theft.
They have bailed until Sunday, February 22, 2026.
The 39-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of driving a motor vehicle with a proportion of a specific controlled drug above the specified limit, and released under investigation.
A police spokesperson said: “As part of our investigation, we’d like to hear from anyone who witnessed anything suspicious between 10.10am and 12.30pm on Saturday, November 22 in the Seaview Area or anyone who believes they may have had copper or lead items taken from their address around this time.
“We would also like to hear from anyone who has video footage, including doorbell camera, CCTV, mobile phone or dash cam, which may assist us in our investigation.”
If anyone has any information, they are urged to contact please on 101, quoting incident number 44250527776.