SOUTHAMPTON homeowners have been put on alert after a series of burglaries in the city.

Police say cars, including a BMW and a Mercedes, have been stolen as part of house break-ins in Southampton.

Now police are warning residents to keep their valuables and car keys out of sight to deter criminals.

It comes after four burglaries in two days in Southampton.

During the early hours of 14 June entry was gained to a home in Beaulieu Close.

Once inside they stole car keys and then stole a black BMW.

During the early hours of 15 June a man called police to report that he had found his front door open and his car had been stolen.

Entry was gained to the house in Munro Crescent, the keys for a silver Mercedes were stolen and the car was driven away.

A few hours later, officers received a report of another vehicle being stolen from an address on Oakwood Drive.

Entry had been gained to the house and car keys, a wallet, a backpack and a laptop stolen.

The vehicle was later found abandoned in Dunkirk Close, and the backpack and laptop were also located near to the address.

At some time between 4.30pm on 14 June and 3.30pm on 15 June entry was gained to an address in Charles Arden Close.

A laptop, a computer and jewellery were stolen.

Sergeant Thomas Hannam, said: “We’d like to remind residents of the importance of ensuring homes are locked and secure, especially if you’re not at home, or you’re in another part of the property.

“Insecure homes could give opportunistic thieves a chance to steal your valuables. Please don’t give them the chance.

“Please keep valuables, including car keys, out of sight; lock doors, and secure windows to help deter criminals and prevent you becoming a victim of crime.”

Advice from police includes locking all front and rear doors at night, or if you’re in another part of the property, putting all car keys and other keys out of sight and not in reach of letterboxes, as well as leaving lights on to make your home look occupied.

If you have any information on the burglaries, call police on 101, quoting 44190203818.