RESIDENTS in a Hampshire village are “on their guard” after being targeted in a wave of burglaries.

More than 10 households have been hit by a burglar or burglars in Colden Common in two months, who appears to have targeted the homes when the homeowner is away.

The Daily Echo, understands that 12 properties in Owslebury, Twyford and Colden Common have been hit by burglars over the past two months.

City councillor for Colden Common, Sue Cook said the burglaries appear to have happened when residents are on holiday.

She said: “Residents are worried and it is very frustrating. I know that the police are trying to track down the perpetrators.

“Everyone is on there guard and everybody is looking out for one and other. The police presence on the streets has been good the police have been at the meetings and been very active.”

She said in many of the burglaries the residents were on holiday, and she has urged people in the village to report anything suspicious to police.

One villager, who was burgled and asked not to be named, said: “It is not a very nice thing, the burglar went in every room of the house and stole children’s money boxes and quite a bit of jewellery.”

He said that the parish council is looking to set up a neighbourhood watch, and he praised police for their response.

The villager added: “I think the police have put a lot of resources into Colden Common, they are out every night. They have PCSOs and I see a car going round every evening - but it seems to have stopped lately.”

A message to residents said that there has only been one further burglary since the parish meeting on May 24.

In an update to residents, Sergeant Stuart Gilmour said: “I am aware that rumour continues to circulate around the village about further potential burglary incidents within the village.

“I can confirm there has only been one further burglary reported to Hampshire Police in Colden Common since I attended the Annual Parish Meeting on May 24.

“The latest burglary report was to a property in Moors Close, and whilst there are some similarities with the previous burglary incidents, there are also some quite significant differences to the series that I reported on at the Annual Parish Meeting.

“At the current time we are keeping an open mind about whether this latest crime is part of the same series or whether it is a separate isolated incident.”

Anyone with information on the burglaries is asked to call Hampshire Police on 101.