POLICE have stepped up their high visibility patrols in the Chandler's Ford area following a spate of burglaries.

Four homes were targeted within one week - two in Hursley Road, one in Hiltingbury Road and another in a close in Thornbury Wood. Detectives are urging residents to step up security in a bid to head off any repeat of the serial burglaries which swept the area in the recent past.

The four-bedroom detached house in Thornbury Wood was at the time temporarily unoccupied and in darkness. A search of the several rooms in the property was made before the burglars left with some personal documents, a building society book, plus some DVDs and video cassettes.

A small blue K-registration hatchback was seen in the area at the time and the driver was seen loading something into it.

Detectives would like to hear from anyone who may have seen this person or anyone else acting suspiciously in the area during the day or at the time of the burglary. Call 0845 045 4545 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.

Police are reminding homeowners to activate lights during darkness and ensure that all doors and windows are securely locked.