A supermarket chain that has been hit as part of a string of overnight raids says that it has been "actively working" with police to ensure stores say safe.

Four Co-op shops in and around Southampton faced break-ins in the space of two weeks, as stores in Weston Lane, Tickleford Drive, Falkland Court and High Road were hit.

No arrests have yet been made, but police enquiries continue, with officers treating three of the incidents as linked.

READ MORE: Co-op Southampton: No arrests after four raids in two weeks

The Co-op Group - which only runs the shops on Weston Lane and Tickleford Drive - has now said that continues to campaign for greater protection for its workers.

A Co-op spokesperson said: “Safety and security is a key priority, and Co-op is committed to investing to create safer communities that can thrive and prosper.

"Co-op has campaigned for greater protection for all retail workers, and we have been actively working with Hampshire Police following the incidences and appeal for anyone with any information to contact the Police.”

Only two of the stores affected are actually run by Co-op - the Falkland Court and High Road stores are run by Southern Co-op, a separate business.