A BURGLAR crept into three homes in the same Southampton street while residents slept inside.

People living in Glenfield Avenue, Bitterne, were horrified when they woke up to discover they had all fallen victim to the thief.

Police believe the same person is responsible for all the raids.

They are now warning other residents in the area to be extra vigilant and to ensure their windows and doors are locked and secured at night.

The opportunist burglar struck in the early hours of Monday morning, stealing a mobile phone and an unspecified amount of cash from the three properties.

Officers said the thief had been able to get into each of the homes through “insecurities”.

A Hampshire police spokeswoman said: “There were three burglaries in the road, which we are linking.

“The suspect has entered the properties through insecurities. It would appear they are an opportunistic burglar.

“We would ask people in that area to be more vigilant and be a little bit extra cautious with their security.”

Anyone with any information about the burglaries should call Burglary Investigation Co-ordinator Helen Ward on 023 8053 3231, or PC Andrew Kilbride from the Bitterne District Investigation Team on 101.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.