THIEVES have targeted five properties in Basingstoke in the last couple of days, with three happening in the last 24 hours, according to police.

Basingstoke Cops posted on its Facebook page that a string of residential burglaries and attempted break-ins had taken place in 24 hours over November 5. 

They said: "We are appealing for witnesses and information following a number of residential burglaries reported to us, especially in the last 24 hours." 

They said burglars had attempted to break in via a patio door to a property on Scarlatti Road, Brighton Hill on 7.20pm and 11.30pm.

Then between 6.30pm and 11.55pm, unknown offenders broke in via a back door to a property on Western Way, South Ham. A messy search took place however nothing was reported stolen. 

Between 5pm and 7.30pm, the thieves gained entry to a property via the front door on Mill Road, Rooksdown. A messy search took place and two high-value items were stolen. 

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Similar offences also took place the days before, with offenders attempting to break in via a patio window to a house on Fullbrook Drive, Chapel Gate, sometime between 11.30pm on November 3 and 9am on November 4. 

Then between 7pm on November 2 and 9pm on November 3, thieves tried to break in via a rear kitchen window to a house in Dorset Crescent, Buckskin. 

A police spokesman said: "If you have information that could assist police (do you have CCTV/ring doorbell or did you see/hear anything), please either call 101 or go online at https://orlo.uk/loDPm." 

Alternatively, contact independent charity Crimestoppers UK by calling 0800 555 111 or online at https://orlo.uk/N2a9s