POLICE are investigating if four burglaries in the Alton area last Wednesday (February 17) are linked.

In all four instances the front door was forced in some way while the homeowner was out and cash or jewellery was taken.

Between 10:30 and 13:55 around £40,000 of jewellery was taken from a home on Station Road in Bentley. Items stolen included a Cartier wedding ring and a Gucci watch.

Between 08:00 and 17:45, £40 and jewellery was taken from an address on Chalcrafts in Alton.

Between 16:00 and 17:10 more than £6,000 of jewellery, including a platinum eternity ring and white gold necklace were taken from a home at Thornton End in Alton.

Between 07:45 and 16:30 cash was taken from a bedroom at a Southview Rise home in Alton.

A further two burglaries have been reported as taking place on Winchester Road in Alton on the morning of Monday, February 22.

Again both homes had their doors forced and items such as a Sony VAIO laptop, Apple I-Pads, and a Ninendo Wii were taken between 10:30 and midday.If you saw anyone acting suspiciously in the areas please call DS James Massey on 101 quoting 44160070400 or via the website http://www.hampshire.police.uk/internet/do-it-online/online-forms/message-for-officer.html

You can also call the charity Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously. Minicom users should call 01962 875000.

Police are also reminding home owners of the following crime prevention advice.

Insurance documents should be checked for any specific security requirements or upgrades.

Ensure side gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of the property, and rear fencing is in good repair.

Lock all windows and doors, remembering to double lock UPVC doors (lift handle and turn key).

Keep all keys out of reach and sight from the letterbox (remember a device could be used to hook keys through letterbox).

Do not leave ladders and garden tools in your garden; lock them away in your shed, and improve natural surveillance at the front of your property i.e. trim high hedges.

Consider fitting security lighting and a burglar alarm.

Mark your property with postcode and house number and register it free with www.immobilise.com

Make use of timer switches to make the property appear occupied, and ask a trusted nieghbour to keep an eye on your property if you are away for any length of time.

Consider joining or forming a Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

Remove valuables from view of ground floor windows.

Store any high value items (i.e. jewellery, passports) in a properly secured safe or bank vault.