POLICE are trying to trace the owners of more than 260 objects stolen from homes across Hampshire in the past few months.

Many of the items are thought to have been taken during a four-month crimewave in Totton and neighbouring Ashurst between February and the middle of this month.

Watches, cameras and jewellery were among the objects snatched from homes across the north-eastern corner of the New Forest.

Police investigating the burglaries - thought to be linked - have arrested a total of nine people. All have been released but remain under investigation.

Most of the crimes were committed in March and April, with many of the break-ins taking place in the Calmore area of Totton.

Houses were targeted at various times of the day and night - and different methods were used to gain entry to the properties.

Two homes in Salisbury Road, Totton, were among those raided by the thieves.

Now hundreds of photographs of items stolen during the crimewave has been released in a bid to reunite them with their rightful owners.

The album also contains pictures of objects taken during burglaries across Hampshire between May and November of last year.

Last night Totton councillor David Harrison said: "I'm aware that a number of homes in Totton have been burgled in the past few months.

"Calmore seems to have been a hot-spot but properties in Rushington and Testwood have also been hit.

"I understand from police sources that the same person - or people - are thought to be responsible for a whole series of crimes."

Objects taken included David Beckham deodorant, a black Thomas Sabo box containing two pairs of earrings and a silver-coloured Edifice watch.

Clear stone stud earrings and a gold chain in a red heart-shaped box were also stolen, as were Accurist and Rolex watches.

Other items seized by police include knives, a Black and Decker strimmer and a Cathedral safe that was found at Longbeech car park in Fritham.

A police spokesman said: "We have released pictures of property recovered as part of an investigation into burglaries in the Totton area in recent weeks.

"If you recognise any of them please call 101 quoting Operation Vital - proof of ownership will be required.

"We have arrested nine people in connection with this series of burglaries. They have been released under investigation."

To view the photographs go online and visit dailyecho.co.uk.