Thieves have stolen cigarettes and alcohol in a series of raids on Co-op stores - with one store "trashed".

Three break-ins took place at stores in Weston Lane, and Tickleford Drive in Southampton, and Falkland Court in Chandler’s Ford.

All of the incidents are being linked by police, who are investigating.

The Co-op store in Chandler's Ford was yesterday cordoned off by police with forensics officers carrying out investigations.

It was raided at 2am on Monday in a burglary, with one resident saying police were “guarding it” after it had been “trashed inside”.

People were unable to enter the store while police were at the scene, with many arriving then leaving shortly after seeing the cordon. Cigarettes, cash and alcohol had been stolen.

This comes less than two weeks after the same store was targeted.

Just four hours after the raid, police were called to Tickleford Drive at 6.35am after two men entered the store and caused damage to a protective screen by the tills.

Cigarettes and tobacco were taken. No-one was injured.

Speaking near the store, a resident, who wished to remain unnamed, told the Echo: “All I heard was that the shop was closed, but it seems as though it was broken into. Hopefully no one was injured.”

Another woman added: “I don’t know why people target these shops, it’s ridiculous really.”

READ MORE: Co-op stored taped off by police after incident 

Police also confirmed they were also called out at 10.30pm on Saturday after two men entered the Co-op in Weston Lane.

The pair went behind the till area and stole tobacco and cigarettes.

One woman, who did not want to be named, said: “I don’t know why the Co-op shops keep being broken into. I’m glad both shops (in Weston) are open though."

Officers are investigating all three incidents and extensive enquiries are underway to establish the full circumstances.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: “Anyone with any information about the incident, including any footage, such as doorbell camera, dash cam, mobile phone, or CCTV, should call 101 and quote incident number 44250105373.

“Investigating officers are currently linking the incidents.”