Spate of burglaries sparks security alert (From This is Hampshire)

Spate of burglaries sparks security alert

8:54am Tuesday 19th February 2008 in

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OPPORTUNIST serial burglars are at large, targeting homes across Southampton.

The thieves have so far struck 18 times in the city, picking on homes where doors and windows have been left unlocked.

Police are today urging residents to be vigilant with their security, especially during the sunny weather, after revealing that all of the breakins are being linked.

The burglars are striking during the day and have also been known to force entry at some of the properties.

Every time they have broken in while the owners were not at home.

Among their haul so far is jewellery and small electrical items, and on two occasions they are known to have stolen vehicles from the driveway of homes.

Police working on the investigation, called Operation Salvage, say that the thieves have been operating across the Bitterne area since November last year.

So far roads targeted included West End Road, Cobden Avenue, Chichester Road, Midanbury Lane, Cobbett Road, Benhams Farm Close, Witts Hill, Shrubland Close, Wynter Road, Bitterne Road East and Cutbush Lane.

PC Nick Gray, officer in the case, said: "Residents need to be very aware of keeping their property secure. Particularly during the sunny weather at the moment, people have a tendency to leave windows open.

"I would ask people to be vigilant.

Don't make it an easy target for burglars - lock up whenever you go out."

Call the burglary investigation team on 0845 045 4545.