POLICE are warning residents to secure their homes after a spate of burglaries across Winchester.

Thieves stole cash and jewellery from homes in Lower Chilland Lane, Martyr Worthy; Woodlands, Bramdean; the B3047, Bishop's Sutton; and the B3046, Old Alresford.

All burglaries occurred on Thursday, November 15, with entry forced through rear or side doors at each address.

Properties in Church Road, Upper Farringdon, and The Street, Binstead, were also burgled the same day and are being linked.

The offenders are described as white, in their late 20s, around 5ft 8ins, wearing soft quilted caps, navy quilted jackets and jeans, and speaking with home county accents.

PC Craig Robinson, said: “As we approach the festive season, we would encourage people to ensure their home security is optimised, such as security lighting, including internal timer switches; ensuring homes are locked and secured whilst they are out, marking property with UV pens, photographing valuable or distinctive jewellery, and considering keeping expensive or sentimental items in a safety deposit box at their bank.

“I am appealing for anyone with any information about these burglaries to come forward and speak to us. Have you witnessed any suspicious behaviour or seen any unusual vehicles being driven around the areas in question?”

Anyone with information should contact Winchester or East Hampshire Priority Crime teams on 101, quoting Operation Saunton, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.