POLICE are investigating a spate of burglaries in the Waterside area.

Six homes in Oak Road, Dibden Purlieu were among those raided by thieves between December 17 and December 21.

Burglars also targeted several properties in nearby roads, including Oak Close.

A police spokesperson said: "The burglaries happened at various times throughout this time period and were a result of sheds and outbuildings being broken into."

Police are appealing for witnesses to the following crimes:

Burglary at Oak Road between 3am and 3.20am on December 18 (crime reference number 44200487571).

Burglary at Oak Road at around 4.50pm on December 18 (crime ref 44200487571).

Burglary at Oak Road at around 6.05pm on December 18 (crime ref 44200487653).

Burglary at Oak Road at around 8.35pm on December 18 (crime ref 44200487811).

Burglary at Oak Close at around 6pm on December 18 (crime ref 44200487654).

Burglary at Oak Road at around 1am on December 18 (crime ref 44200487811).

Burglary at Oak Road between 10pm on December 17 and 6.30am on December 18 (crime ref 44200487653).

Burglary at Oak Close between 8pm on December 17 and 12.01am on December 18 (crime ref 44200487654).

Burglary at Beaulieu Road between 2am and 3am on December 18 (crime ref 44200487654).

Burglary at Lanehays Road, Hythe, at around 2.20am on December 19 (crime ref 44200488122).

A police spokesperson said: "We would like to hear from anyone with information on any of these incidents. Did you notice anything suspicious? Did you see someone hanging around the area? Perhaps you have CCTV or Ring doorbell footage?

"Anyone with information is asked to contact us by calling 101, quoting the crime reference numbers above.

"Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

"We also wanted to take the opportunity, especially over the festive period, to remind local residents about appropriate crime prevention advice around burglaries:

"Lock your shed or garage every evening, ensuring that you have a reliable and robust lock in place to deter any would-be burglars.

"Mark your prized possessions by using a property or police approved forensic marking solution only visible under Ultraviolet light.

"Ensure side gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of the property.

"Record the details of your property such as serial numbers for electronic goods on the Immobilise website (https://www.immobilise.com/)

"You know your local communities. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, such as someone tampering with a lock on a neighbour’s shed, please report it to us via 101."