DETECTIVES are investigating after seven burglaries took place in Basingstoke in five days.

The spate of burglaries started on Thursday, January 16, when four homes in the Brighton Hill and Hatch Warren areas were targeted for jewellery and cash.

They were in Birches Crest, Mathias Walk, The Crofts and Ellington Drive.

A handbag was stolen from a home in Grove Road, Black Dam, between 7pm and 11.15pm on Saturday, January 18. The bag has now been recovered.

A victim disturbed two burglars at his home in Magnus Drive, Hatch Warren, at 4am on Monday, January 20. They had already taken cigarettes, cash and car keys before being disturbed.

The man chased the two burglars along Magnus Drive but they managed to get away.

Later that day, thieves climbed onto the roof of a conservatory in Olivers Walk, Lychpit, to enter a house though a first floor window.

They stole jewellery belonging to the resident’s late mother, including a necklace made of African animal hair, and a gold necklace with a blue topaz stone.

Anyone with information on these burglaries can contact Basingstoke police station on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.