WORLD War Two medals were just one of the precious items taken in spate of burglaries in Bransgore recently.

Detectives are appealing for help from residents in solving the burglaries on three properties since May 11.

In all three cases, burglars forced their way inside – two while the elderly occupants were out celebrating their birthdays.

The first incident took place between 1.40pm and 2.20pm on Saturday, May 11 at a bungalow in Burley Road while the 80-year-old female resident was out celebrating her birthday.

Thieves left empty handed when an alarm sounded, scaring them away from the property.

On Thursday May 16, burglars forced open a rear window between 9am and 1.30pm, getting away with £750 of jewellery including a Gucci watch, three strand bracelet and cuff links belonging to a 35-year-old female resident.

And on Friday May 24, at a bungalow in West Road burglars forced entry to the property between 10am and 10pm while the residents were out celebrating the man’s 90th birthday.

They took commemorative coins, watches, an engagement ring and World War II medals.

DS Matt Taylor said: “Three burglaries in the same area in the space of a week and a half are very unusual in that neighbourhood.

“We need to hear from anyone who noticed any suspicious people or vehicles in the neighbourhood in that period from May 11 to May 24.

“In particular, did anyone notice unfamiliar people or vehicles on May 11 when the burglar alarm went off in Burley Road?

“Or did you notice any person or people looking at homes in the neighbourhood during that time?”

Anyone with information should contact DC Jonathan Matthews at Lyndhurst CID on 101.