POLICE have been patrolling streets near Winchester after burglars raided nearly a dozen homes in nine different roads during an eight-hour period.

The burglaries, which all took place between between 8am and 4pm on Monday, January 15, saw various items of jewellery stolen, as well as a car.

Home were raided in Alresford Road, Cheriton; Tichborne Down, Alresford; Jacklyns Lane, Alresford (two burglaries); Grange Road, Alresford (two burglaries); South Close, Alresford; Wield Road, Medstead; High Street, Medstead; Hussell Lane, Medstead; and Abbey Road, Medstead, where a Ford Fiesta was also stolen.

Officers say that an unknown number of burglars, thought to be one group, smashed rear windows and doors to get into the homes, before stealing the valuables and fleeing.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said the total value of the stolen items is not yet known due to the early stage of the investigation.

Police also said a white Audi TT was reported to have been seen in Alresford and Medstead at the time of the burglaries.

Anyone with information relating to the burglaries is urged to call 101, quoting reference '44180018613', or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Following the spate of burglaries officers are advising residents to protect their homes by keeping front and back doors locked, even when you’re at home, installing a burglar alarm with a visible alarm box, fitting a door chain and spyhole for extra security and keeping all valuables and keys out of sight and out of reach of doors and windows.

Residents are also urged to mark belongings and register them for free with Immobilise, fit energy efficient security lighting, not to leave spare keys in obvious places such as under doormats or plant pots and keep items that could be used to break into your property such as ladders, tools and wheelie bins stored safely away.