POLICE believe two burglaries within half a mile of each other in Southampton could be linked.

Intruders plundered an engagement ring and £105 cash after breaking into a home in Pentire Way, Shirley.

They removed part of a back garden fence panel to gain access before forcing open patio doors with a blunt tool.

They conducted an untidy search in upstairs bedrooms before damaging another fence panel in a neighbouring garden on the way out.

Intruders also used a tool to force open the rear door of a home in Wilton Crescent the same day, but left empty-handed after an untidy search.

Both break-ins happened on Tuesday, January 28 – the first between 4.30pm and 6pm and the second between 8am and 10.30pm.

Witnesses should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.