RESIDENTS are now speaking out following several cars that have been stolen from Southampton roads while people self-isolate during the coronavirus outbreak.

It comes as the government instructed people to stay in their homes unless for one form of exercise a day, to buy food and essentials, essential travel to and from work or to care for a vulnerable person.

But 36-year-old cleaner Maria said she presumes the cars are being stolen while people are staying indoors and following government advice.

The mother-of-four's BMW 1 series was stolen from outside her home, the day before schools were shut in response to the virus pandemic.

She said: "I went outside to put some recycling out because the bin men were coming to get the rubbish.

"My car was outside as normal, then I went inside to get the kids to grab their stuff and get ready to go to school.

"Between eight to 8.30am, I went outside with them and my car wasn't there anymore. Since this coronavirus has been happening, I presume it is happening while people are indoors."

She also said she relies on her car for "everything" and usually uses it to travel to and from work.

But since then, two more cars were stolen this morning from a family living on Cowdray Close, Lordswood.

A nearby resident said: "It might be that heartless thieves are seizing on the fact that people in lockdown don't want to venture outside even if they hear anything like people roaring off in cars."

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: "We were called just before 9.30 this morning to a report of two vehicles stolen from outside a property on Cowdray Close, Lordswood.

"A white Kia Sportage and a Black Land Rover Discovery were stolen. Anyone with information can phone 101, quoting 44200109882.

They added: "We were called at 8:44 on 19 March to a report of a BMW having been stolen from outside an address on Chestnut Road, Southampton.

"Enquiries are ongoing, anyone with information can phone 101, quoting 44200102858."