Police hunt female burglar after raids across Portsmouth

Hampshire Constabulary say they think the raids over the past couple of weeks are linked.

A force spokesman said: ‘On January 31, sometime between 7.40-7.50am, somebody attempted to break into a flat in Nightingale Road, Southsea. The resident heard a noise and called out, the noise then disappeared.

‘Also on January 31 in Nightingale Road, a woman was reported to have broken a front door lock. It is believed she was attempting to break in to the flat. She walked away when she was challenged.

‘There was a burglary in Sussex Road, Southsea, on Jan 31, sometime between 7.20am and 4.40pm. The offender entered the property via a basement window and stole jewellery and electronic devices.

‘On February 6, between 5am-5.30am, somebody was heard inside a property in Linklater Path, Southsea. The offender is believed to have entered the property by a small window vent. A set of door keys were stolen.

‘Also on February 6, at 6.50am somebody was heard inside a property in Turner Road. The resident called out and the offender left the house. Entry was via a downstairs window.

‘Yesterday at 6.50am, a woman was seen trying to break into a house in Shakespeare Road. After being challenged by a man, she ran off in the direction of Manor Road.

‘Lastly, sometime just after midnight and 8am yesterday there was an attempted burglary in Manor Road. Tool marks were left on the front door, however no entry was gained to the property.’

Police issued this description:

· Woman

· In her 40s

· About 5’ 3” – 5’ 4” tall

· Dark brown / auburn hair, tied back

· Scabs on her face

· At one incident the woman was described as wearing a blue/black ‘puffa’ style jacket

· At another incident she was described as wearing a dark blue or grey jacket and dark skinny jeans

Detective Sergeant Martin Longyear, who is investigating the series, said: ‘I would urge residents to be vigilant following a series of burglaries and attempted burglaries in Portsmouth, which we believe are being carried out by a woman, between 5am and 8am.

‘We would like to hear from anyone who has seen a woman acting suspicious in the areas given, at around the times of the incidents.’

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting 44170040437.