BURGLARS have struck three times in the Chandler's Ford area in recent days, police said this afternoon.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the trio of raids.

The first took place in Pine Road, between 8.15am-1.15pm on Tuesday November 17, with the offenders kicking in a UPVC panel in the back door.

They made an untidy search and stole cash and jewellery, including a Tiffany engagement ring and a wedding ring.

On the same day, another home in Park Road was burgled, some time between 10am-2.15pm, with the raiders gaining entry using the same method.

An untidy search of the house was carried out and around £1,000 cash was stolen.

Officers are also investigating a burglary in Peverells Road two days later, on November 19, between 11am and 7.15pm.

The offenders gained entry by forcing open a conservatory door and stole an amount of cash and at least £6,000 worth of jewellery.

Officers believe the three may be linked and are appealing for witnesses.

PC Matt Blake said: “We would like to speak to any witnesses who saw anyone acting suspicious in the area around the time of the burglaries."

“We would also urge residents to take note of our crime prevention advice to help prevent further incidents.”

Advice to residents includes:

• Leaving a light on while you are out to make the home looks occupied

• Using timer switches to turn on lights during dark evenings before you return from work

• If going away on holiday, make the house look occupied by cancelling milk and newspaper deliveries, getting a neighbour to collect your post and using timer switches to turn on lights in the evening

• Ensure side gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of your property and ensure that your rear fencing is in good repair.

• Install an alarm system and ensure the alarm box is clearly visible.

• Don’t leave keys in doors; remove them and keep them close at hand, but out of sight, where you can easily find them in an emergency.

• Don’t leave your house unattended with windows open and unlocked and remember to double lock UPVC doors (lift handle and turn key).

• If you are in the garden or upstairs, make sure your downstairs doors and windows are closed.

• Never leave a key under a doormat or on a string through the letterbox.

• Store any high value items (i.e. jewellery, passports) in a properly secured safe or bank vault.

Anyone with information about the burglaries is asked to contact PC Matt Blake at Southampton Central police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.