AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a dozen burglaries were reported in Southampton over a single weekend.

Officers at the city's Burglary Investigation Unit (BIU) are linking the series of 12 break-ins that happened in the Bitterne and Woolston areas.

In each case, the burglars broke in overnight between Friday evening and Monday morning while the homeowners were asleep in the property.

A warning has been issued in light of the burglaries, as thieves got into each property by either an unlocked door or open window.

Roads targeted by the burglars included Swift Road, Church Road, Manor Road North, Ludlow Road, Milais Road, Thornleigh Road and Blackthorn Road.

In each case, small electrical items, handbags, wallets and phones were taken.

A spokesman for the BIU said: "In every case the offender got into the property by an insecurity while the occupiers were asleep upstairs.

"With the warmer weather people tend to leave doors and windows open or unlocked, but we would urge residents not to.

"In one of these cases, a homeowner woke up to find her front door open. In every case the thieves stole items that were on display including DVDs, handbags - anything they could grab that was on show.

"Along with the crime prevention message we are also looking for any witnesses who may have seen any suspicious behaviour in the areas we have identified between Friday night and Monday morning to come forward."

Anyone with information can call PC Paul Longhurst on 0845 045 4545.