A CAR theft crimewave is continuing in Southampton as criminals take advantage of the ongoing heatwave to carry out burglaries.

Ten homes in the city and one in West End were burgled over the weekend and a number of cars and valuables were stolen.

Hampshire police confirmed two 16-year-old boys had been arrested on suspicion of burglary and remain in custody.

One has since been charged with two counts of burglary.

The charges relate to a burglary at a home in Wilderness Heights on July 16 where a Ford Ecosport and red Yamaha motorbike was stolen and a burglary at a home in Whites Road on June 12 where a Renault Clio was stolen.

Meanwhile, another teenager, an 18-year-old, has been arrested and remains in policy custody.

Officers say in each of the incidents, access was gained via accessible windows and unlocked doors, and keys were fished for through letterboxes during the incidents, which happened between Friday and Sunday.

Police were unable to confirm how many cars and what items were stolen but are urging residents to be vigilant and close windows overnight despite the temperatures.

Officers received reports of similar incidents in Southampton and beyond, which were being reviewed.

This comes after 15 vehicles worth tens of thousands of pounds were stolen from outside homes in the Bitterne area of Southampton since the end of May.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: "Whilst we are looking to trace those involved in this type of crime, we have also increased patrols in Bitterne and Sholing, Portswood, Hedge End and West End which are the areas that have been affected.

"We would ask the public to help prevent these crimes too by following our crime prevention advice."