POLICE have warned residents to be vigilant after thieves targeted a Southampton flat.

They got into the ground floor flat within The Dell through an insecure balcony at 5am this morning.

A number of pieces of jewellery were taken from the property, in Wallace Court.

Police have issued advice to residents to call 101 if they see anything suspicious and to make sure their homes are secure.

They also advised residents to: Shut all windows and lock them when you are not using the room, at night and when you leave your property.

Lock all front and rear doors at night and when you are out. If you have a UPVC door with a multi-point lock ensure you lift the handle and lock it with the key.

Put all car keys and other keys are out of sight and not in reach of windows and letterboxes. It doesn't take much for the keys to be hooked through the letterbox.

Leave a light on so your home looks occupied if you are going out for the evening.

If you head out while it is still daylight and won't be back till after dark then a timer switches can be useful in turning your lights, radios and other appliances on at a set time before you get back.

Ensure side gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of the property.

Do not leave ladders and garden tools in your garden, lock them away in your shed.

Have an intruder alarm system installed by an approved contractor.

Ensure a visible alarm box is attached to the outside of your home.

Also consider fitting security lighting.

PC Heather Tack from the Western Investigations Team added: “We are appealing directly to anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious around this time.”

They are asked to call police on 101