Officers investigate possible links between eight burglaries in Portsmouth and Fareham.

We are investigating whether eight burglaries in Portsmouth and Fareham are linked.

Between Thursday 12 July and Wednesday 18 July, seven houses were broken into on: Dysart Avenue, Station Road, Mulberry Lane, Court Lane, Central Road, Old Manor Way, and South Road in Drayton.

Most of the burglaries happened during the day, between 8am and 2pm, where someone broke in through an insecure window or by forcing entry at the rear of a property. Entry was gained to two of the homes through a first floor bathroom window after the burglar climbed onto a porchway. Jewellery and watches have been taken including: a silver pocketwatch with long silver Albert chain, a silver bangle hallmarked Birmingham 1961, and a 9ct gold ring with RCJ engraved to the front and RACS on the inside.

In one case, on South Road, an 85 year-old woman disturbed a burglar in her home at just after midday on Tuesday 17 July. She described him as:

• White.
• Around 18 years-old.
• Tall and skinny.
• He was wearing a baseball cap and light blue t-shirt.

Jewellery had been taken after the man broke in through an insecure window. He ran off towards Grove Road when he was disturbed.

Yesterday (Thursday 19 July) at some point between 7am and 2:15pm a house on the Downsway in Fareham was broken into. Entry was gained through an upstairs bathroom window. A quantity of jewellery and cigarettes were stolen.

We believe this latest burglary in Fareham may be linked to the earlier reports in Drayton.

We’d like to take this opportunity to remind you of the following crime prevention advice:

• Shut all windows and lock them when you are not using the room, at night and when you leave your property
• Lock all front and rear doors at night and when you are out. If you have a UPVC door with a multi-point lock ensure you lift the handle and lock it with the key.
• Put all car keys and other keys out of sight and not in reach of windows and letterboxes. It doesn't take much for the keys to be hooked through the letterbox.
• Leave a light on so your home looks occupied if you are going out for the evening. If you head out while it is still daylight and won't be back till after dark then timer switches (available from most DIY stores) can be useful for turning your lights, radios and other appliances on at a set time before you get back.
• Ensure side gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of the property.
• Do not leave ladders and garden tools in your garden; lock them away in your shed.
• Have an intruder alarm system installed by an approved contractor. Ensure a visible alarm box is attached to the outside of your home. Also consider fitting security lighting.
• Use door chains and spy holes to give you extra security if someone knocks on your door. Never be afraid to turn people away. If you have concerns about anyone who has come to your door call the police.
• Distraction burglars may try to trick their way into your home by posing as officials or playing for sympathy by asking for help, such as to use your toilet or phone. These people often work in pairs or groups. The caller will try to distract you so their partner can sneak into your home to steal.
• Genuine callers will be happy to show you their identification or call back when someone else is at home with you. So always ask if you’re unsure.
• Record the details of your property such as serial numbers for electronic goods on the Immobilise website (https://www.immobilise.com/)