POLICE are hunting burglars who have stolen a haul of goods worth more than £5,000 as they continue their crime spree across Hampshire.

The spate of early morning break-ins, while homeowners are asleep upstairs, has spread from Eastleigh to Hedge End and now Romsey.

Officers believe all of the burglaries are linked, with most of the properties having their PVC front doors forced open.

The most recent break-ins came in the early hours of Saturday morning, when Romsey homes in Kennett Close, Kennett Road, Saxon Way and Ash Close were all targeted.

Among the burglars' haul was a Breitling Super Avenger watch worth £4,000 which was stolen from a house at Ash Close.

An Acer laptop, £75 in cash and bank cards were stolen from a house at Saxon Way, and car keys and an expensive black Bradley leather purse were taken from a property at Kennett Close.

Car keys and a black folder were also stolen from a house in Kennett Road but they were later retrieved nearby.

Police believe that a blue fleece jacket found close to one of the homes targeted may have belonged to one of the thieves and could prove vital in the hunt for those responsible.

Sergeant Alyson West, from Romsey police, is urging people to ensure that all doors and windows are locked before going out or going to bed at night.

She said: “We’ve had similar burglaries in Eastleigh and Hedge End and elsewhere where properties with PVC doors have been targeted.

“We highly recommend that people fit a good quality strong door chain and fit lights with sensors on the approaches to door entrances.

“They should also close all windows before going out and going to bed. Don’t leave car keys, laptops or other valuables in hallways or other rooms where they are on show.”

Anyone with information about any of the burglaries should contact DC Scott Stafford at Eastleigh CID on 101.