HOODED youngsters are causing terror in a Southampton community - by breaking into homes and spraying them with ketchup and oil.

The brazen gang have been ransacking the properties and in some cases have also stolen water tanks and boilers, leaving them flooded with water.

It is thought the trio of youths - thought to be in their teens - have struck up to 20 times and have been seen dragging tanks and copper piping away from the scene in wheelie bins.

Police believe local people know who is responsible for the linked series of burglaries but are too scared of reprisals to come forward.

The break-ins started three weeks ago, during the school Easter break, and have been happening at all times of the day.

More than 15 roads in the Maybush and Coxford areas have been targeted while owners were out.

Running wild, the youths are thought to be roaming the streets looking for opportunities to strike.

Inside the properties they leave no room untouched, spraying tomato sauce, oil, WD40 and any liquid or squirty substance they can get their hands on across walls, floor and ceilings.

Three houses which are currently empty because they are being refurbished by the city council have been broken into and the thieves have ripped water tanks and boilers from the walls causing water to pour out.

Copper piping, which has increased in price when passed on to scrap dealers, has also been pinched.

The particular target has been the Palm Road, Coxford Road and Alder Road area of Maybush, although there have been scores more burglaries in the wider community.

PC Ian Rudge, of Southampton's burglary investigation unit, said: "These are local youths who are running wild. We have had reports that they are hooded teenagers who are roaming the streets looking for an opportune moment to strike. They are brazen in what they do.

"Inevitably, their actions are creating some noise and their aim is not just to steal but to disrupt people's lives."

PC Rudge said houses had been found ransacked, with people's belongings strewn across the floor, while the walls and ceilings of all rooms have been sprayed with any type of liquid available.

He added: "We are sure that people in this community know who is doing this. They could be fearful of reprisals but I would urge them not to be worried but to find the courage to come forward and speak to us."

A total of four properties - three of which are currently empty - have been targeted for water tanks and copper.

A spokesman from Southampton City Council confirmed that the repair bill for one of the properties was more than £1,000.

Piping and floorboards were stolen and radiators ripped from the walls at the Palm Road property, while significant damage was caused as a result of a leak from the water system. A team of maintenance workers will now spend nearly a month renovating the building.

PC Rudge said: "There is reason to suspect this is the same group of youths intent on causing disruption and inside a property. They have been seen pulling the items away in wheelie bins through the estate.

"It is quite obvious that they have absolutely no regard for others and their property. We strongly believe they will continue with their criminal activity until they are stopped."

l Anyone with information is asked to contact the burglary investigation team on 023 8059 9997 or through the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111l.