POLICE are hunting serial burglars who have so far struck at almost 30 homes in Southampton.

The raiders are forcing their way into properties and stealing small electrical items that can be easily carried away.

Computer consoles, laptops and mobile phones have been taken during the break-ins by the burglars who have targeted the west side of the city.

Communities in Millbrook, Maybush and Lordshill have been worst hit, with scores of burglaries being reported in recent weeks.

Daily Echo: Click below to see a video of today's headlines in sixty seconds

Burglaries at homes in Shirley and Lordswood have also been linked to the series. More than one property on the same road has been targeted.

A dedicated team of officers is now working on the spate of burglaries, codenamed Operation Strobe.

The latest break-ins have seen homes at Fairisle Road in Shirley and Siskin Close in Lordswood targeted.

Officers are urging people to report any information they may have, particularly if they have been offered electrical goods.

Office manager Helen Ward, at Southampton’s Burglary Investigation team, said: “It is a possibility that the property that has been stolen could be sold on locally so we would ask anyone who has been offered any goods for sale, mainly small electrical items, to report it immediately to police. This is a significant series which we are linking together due to the type of property being stolen and the way the offenders are forcing their way into properties.”

She also urged the local communities to report any suspicious behaviour and to review home security.

Anyone with any information can contact PC Danielle Daltrey at Southampton’s burglary investigation team on 023 8059 9997.