POLICE today reminded people not to leave valuable Christmas presents on display after burglars plundered a Southampton home.

The warning came as police stepped up the newly-launched Operation Boa campaign aimed at ridding burglars from Southampton's streets.

Police said wrapped Christmas presents were among the haul of electrical goods and jewellery taken from a house in Nichols Road, St Mary's, on Sunday morning.

Southampton crimedesk spokeswoman Sue Stone said the premises were targeted between 8.20am and 9.45am, when the front door was forced.

Among items taken were a JVC stereo, DVD player, Sony Playstation and games, Nintendo Gameboy, gold clown pendant on a chain, gold dolphin on a chain and a Celtic chain, worth more than £900 in total.

The burglar, spotted by a neighbour at the back of the house, was described as white, aged 20, 5ft 2in, average build, with collar- length brown hair, a baseball cap and jacket.

Police want to hear from anyone who noticed anything suspicious or who may have been offered the stolen property.

Last week, Southampton police, together with the Daily Echo and Southampton City Council, officially launched the new Operation Cobra campaign, a major crackdown against burglars and handlers.

In the run-up to Christmas, detectives want people to use the anonymous Southern Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 to shop crooks who commit break-ins and those who sell on the stolen loot.

Police also need information about particular premises where stolen property is exchanging hands.

Contact the Southampton crime team during office hours on 023 8074 5646.

Or write to Operation Boa, Hampshire Constabulary, Freepost, SO4626, Southampton, SO19 7WH.