Cigarettes were stolen as burglars broke into two convenience stores overnight in a series of connected crimes which have left residents shaken.

Police are treating the incidents as linked and have launched an investigation.

A vehicle was used to break into the Co-op Welcome store in Ashurst, prior to another burglary at the Morrisons Daily in Longstock Crescent, Totton, in which a window was smashed.

The burglaries took place just four minutes apart just before 11pm on Monday, according to police records.

Repairs to the Co-op Ashurst store took place throughout most of Tuesday morningRepairs to the Co-op Ashurst store took place throughout most of Tuesday morning (Image: NQ)

Both stores were closed on Tuesday morning with substantial repairs needed.

It is not the first time Morrisons in Totton has been targeted, with neighbours witnessing a previous break-in earlier this month.

READ MORE: Security guard accused of using 'unjustified' force at Superdrug

Amy Rieder, 38, who lives opposite the store, said: "It was around 11[pm] and I was in bed reading my book. 

"I just heard a big crash and you heard the alarm go off and from there you heard the noise going all night even when it stopped."

When asked how this impacts how she feels about living here she said: "It can make me feel quite unsafe because my husband works away all week so it's only me with two children. It's normally just us.

"Every little slight noise I find it quite unsettling."

Broken glass was visible inside the Morrisons store on Tuesday morningBroken glass was visible inside the Morrisons store on Tuesday morning (Image: NQ)

Another resident, Sue Buckler, 77, said: "It's just frustrating that they have such little respect for other people's property.

"And also that happened at 10 to 11 last night, the alarm goes off and then the police have to come and go in and by the time all of that is done the dogs are going mad and you have to settle down for the night."

READ MORE: Woman charged after burglary at Leonardo Royal Hotel

Residents living close to the crime scenes have expressed gratitude for the active police presence, and hope the culprits are caught soon.

Part of the Morrisons store in Totton was boarded upPart of the Morrisons store in Totton was boarded up (Image: NQ)

Julie, who lives near Co-op, said: "I am just glad there was no one in there because it could've been worse.

"The fact the police are investigating it is great.

"The shops have done everything they can to try keep it safe and secure."

Police are urging anyone with information about the incidents to come forward.

Officers are specifically looking for those with CCTV, doorbell, mobile phone or dash cam footage around the time of the incidents.

Those who can help are asked to call 101, and quote 44240356784 for the Ashurst incident and 44240356731 for the Totton incident.