POLICE investigating a series of burglaries in west Christchurch say they are keeping an "open mind" as to whether the raids are linked.

Officers are increasing their patrols in the area after thieves smashed through glass patio doors to get into six homes during May.

No arrests have yet been made.

The first burglary to be reported last month took place at a property in Durlston Crescent.

Police were called at 2.07am on Sunday, May 1, but the theft is believed to have taken place sometime between 8am on Saturday, April 30 and 12.45am on the day the report was made.

The rear patio doors had been forced open.

Officers investigating say it is "not known" whether anything was stolen.

Between May 20 and 25, a further three homes in west Christchurch were targeted by thieves who smashed through patio doors before stealing high value watches, cash and an iPad.

At 11.34am on Monday, May 30, police were called about a burglary at a home in Hillside Drive.

Once again, thieves broke in through the rear patio doors sometime between late evening on Sunday, May 29 and the following morning.

Investigators were unable to confirm if anything was stolen.

Later that day, at 6.11pm, police received reports of a burglary at a home in Brisbane Road.

Offenders smashed their way into the house through patio doors sometime between Friday, May 20 and the day the report was made.

A small quantity of cash was taken.

A spokesperson from Dorset Police said: "Officers are keeping an open mind as to whether these incidents are linked."