SEVERAL Swindon car park pay-and-display machines have been broken into throughout January.

Incidents were reported at The Planks, Coate Water, Lydiard Park, Prospect Place, Granville Street and North Star car parks.

One man attempted to break into a machine at Harding Street on January 20. A Vauxhall Astra parked nearby, believed to have been involved in the incident, was seized and police enquiries are ongoing.

A number of tools were also seized.

PC Mason Johnson said: “It is believed the incidents are linked and an investigation has commenced.

"Although at the early stages of the investigation, a number of leads are being explored.

“I’d like to hear from any members of the public who may have seen a group of individuals acting suspiciously around pay and display ticket machines in any of the car parks mentioned. Any information, including descriptions of individuals involved could be vital.”

Call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.