RESIDENTS have been urged to remain vigilant this festive season after a series of household jewellery burglaries across Bournemouth and Poole.

Dorset Police detectives believe the six recent incidents, which took place over the past two weeks, are connected to an ongoing series, which are already under investigation.

Most of the burglaries involved the offender or offenders gaining access by smashing a window and unlocking the front door by using the keys that have been left in the locks.

The most recent incident occurred sometime between 4pm and 5.13pm on Tuesday, December 22, at an address in Wedgwood Drive in Poole.

Other incidents occurred at addresses in Linden Road, Parkstone, between 4.30pm and 7pm on Monday, December 21, Dorchester Road, Oakdale, around 5pm on Sunday, December 20, and Glenville Gardens, Ensbury Park, between 9.30am and 6.30pm on Friday, December 18.

Addresses in Montrose Drive, Ensbury Park, and Knights Road, Bearwood, were targeted on Friday, December 18, and Monday, December 14, respectively.

DS Karen Penn, of Bournemouth CID, said: “We are fully aware of the impact these offences have on victims and I would like to reassure the public that a full investigation is underway to identify the person or people responsible.

“I would appeal to anyone who saw people acting suspiciously in these areas, caught anything of relevant on their home CCTV systems or has seen jewellery being offered for sale locally in unusual circumstances to please contact Dorset Police.

“In the majority of the reports we have received, access has been gained by smashing a window and using the door key that had been left in the lock. I would urge people not to leave keys in any door and put them somewhere out of view. Please don’t make life easy for these burglars.”

Further crime prevention advice can be found at dorset.police.uk/help-advice-crime-prevention/home-property/protect-your-home/.

Anyone with information about the burglaries should contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk, by emailing 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55200183903.

Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.