Area is hit by burglary blitz ALEX SCAPENS

POLICE are investigating a spate of five burglaries in just nine hours that took place at homes within a few hundred yards of each other.

It is thought at least some of the burglaries, which saw jewellery and electrical items stolen in the Rose Hill area of Marple on Wednesday, could be linked.

The first was discovered on the Turnpike at 6.30am, where thieves had fished out car keys through the letter box and driven off in a grey Audi A6 worth £13,500.

A door panel was removed at Stanley Avenue between 8.45am and 12.20pm before burglars stole electrical equipment and jewellery.

And a music system, digital camera and computer equipment was taken from Green Meadows Drive between 10.30am to 10.50am.

Crooks had unsuccessfully tried to smash a patio door then got in by forcing open a side window.

Thieves fled empty handed from a home on Stockport Road when they smashed a back window and triggered an alarm between 3.40pm.

And a rear door was kicked in on Dale Road

11.45am

and necklace and watch were stolen.

Inspector Jim Lockett, from Stockport’s east area neighbourhood police, said: “We are doing a lot of work to investigate these and looking for forensics with scene of crime officers going through all properties.

“Given the times, locations and method we are looking at the possibility the burglaries are linked although we are keeping an open mind.

“The investigation is being treated as a priority. Sadly there are people out there who will do harm but we will relentlessly pursue them.”

Police patrols in the affected areas have been stepped up to provide reassurance and officers have appealed for witnesses.

Another attempted burglary took place at the Broadway, in Bredbury, on the same day around 9.20am.

But the culprit was disturbed by a resident as he tried to force open a patio door. He is described as a white male in his early 20s wearing a black bobble hat.

Anyone with information on any of the burglaries is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.