AN Aladdin's Cave of jewellery is being showcased by Hampshire police in a bid to reunite victims of burglaries with their property.

Items valued at thousands of pounds including DVDs, videos and a range of jewellery, will be on show at Southampton central police station for two days this week.

The bulk of the goods were stolen during a series of burglaries codenamed Operation Cloddymoss by police.

Burglars were targeting homes during the evening and at night in the Lordswood, Bassett and Upper Shirley areas between May and August.

The burglaries were linked after thieves struck when the occupants were away from the property on holiday or for longer periods of time.

In all, officers from Southampton's dedicated Burglary Investigation Unit examined more than 30 offences.

As a result of several police raids a large amount of property, mainly jewellery, has been recovered and will be put on show for victims of burglaries in Southampton and further afield to view.

Detective Sergeant Phil Bateman said: "The majority of the property is jewellery. Not only is some of it valuable and antique looking, the jewellery must be of great sentimental value to those who have been deprived of it.

"We have got all sorts in the Aladdin's Cave, including a lot of videos and DVDs and bags.

"After looking at the amount we had we thought it would be better if we invited people to come and view it in one go to try and reunite the rightful owners with their property."

The Aladdin's Cave will be open at Southampton central police station from 2pm to 8pm on Thursday and Friday.

Visitors are asked to indicate at the front desk they are there to view property in the Aladdin's Cave.