A BURGLAR is raiding homes in a Christchurch street while resident sleep, police say.

Officers have called for residents of Oak Avenue to be wary after a number of burglaries last week.

A spokesperson from Christchurch police said: "These breaks have occurred overnight while occupants have been sleeping and miscellaneous small items have been stolen.

"CCTV in the area has footage of a white male on the driveway of one of the affected properties.

"He is described as approximately mid to late 30s. He has dark thinning hair and facial hair."

The spokesperson called for anyone with information to get in touch via 101. Anyone with CCTV of the area is asked to review their footage.