POLICE have stepped up their hunt for the serial burglar nicknamed the Shirley Creeper, who is targeting a Southampton neighbourhood.

Crime prevention leaflets are to be distributed around Upper Shirley, which is being plagued by a burglar picking off houses at night.

Police are planning to leaflet drop the area in the hope of getting the message across that people need to keep their windows locked.

The advice comes after about 20 homes in the area have been targeted since the beginning of August - on some occasions while the unsuspecting occupiers were asleep in their beds.

As reported in yesterday's Daily Echo, detectives are linking the break-ins, many of which occurred after the householder left a window open in hot weather.

Roads targeted include Bellemoor Road, Harland Crescent, Hill Lane, Pentire Avenue, Radway Road, St James's Road, Upper Shirley Avenue, Wilton Road and Winchester Road.

Officers from Southampton police's burglary investigation unit have appealed for residents to do their bit to deter the thief by ensuring their doors and windows are kept locked at all times, particularly before going to bed.

Police also want to hear from anyone who has witnessed suspicious activity in the Upper Shirley area.

Contact the burglary investigation unit on 023 8059 9997.

Information about suspected burglars and handlers can be passed to police anonymously using the free Southern Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.

Have you been a victim of the Shirley Creeper? Contact the Daily Echo newsdesk on 023 8042 4522.