AN INVESTIGATION has been launched by Gloucestershire Police after three properties in Stratton were targeted by burglars.

A red jewellery box, containing costume jewellery, was taken from a side table in a house in Gleebe Close after the offender gained entry through an unlocked door.

Police believe that the owners of the house were inside the house during the incident which happened at some point between 3.30pm and 9pm on Thursday, February 20.

The jewellery box was later found, with nothing believed to be missing, on a garden chair close to the front door of the property.

The second break-in also happened in Gleebe Close on the same day at some point between 7am and 8.30pm.

An unknown number of offenders forced their way into the house before making off with several items of jewellery.

Police have said that the third incident, which took place in nearby Vale Road, is believed to be linked to the other two break-ins.

Sometime between 7am and 8.30pm on February 20, the offenders tried to break down the back door of the house but failed.

They were unable to get into the property but before leaving they tore a sensor light off a wall and threw it onto the ground.

Officers from Gloucestershire Police have carried out forensic investigations and made a number of house-to-house enquiries.

Anyone with information about any of the incidents is urged to contact the police on 101, quoting incident 454 of February 20.