THREE homes in Highcliffe were burgled over the course of just hours at the weekend.

The first two burglaries took place in Hinton Wood Avenue on the night of Friday, May 20.

Both properties were empty at the time.

Thieves broke in through rear patio doors.

A spokesperson from Dorset Police said: "One was reported on behalf of owners, and so we are unsure what, if anything, has been taken at this stage."

Thieves made an untidy search of the second property and it is not yet clear if anything was stolen.

The third burglary took place in Cranemoor Avenue in the early hours of the following morning.

Offenders threw a pot at a kitchen window to break in, but the homeowner was inside the property and it is thought the thieves escaped with just a wallet.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and ask for the Highcliffe and Walkford, Mudeford and West Highcliffe Neighbourhood Policing Team.