A TREASURE trove of likely stolen items ranging from power tools to a pocket watch have been unearthed by police after they collared a burglary suspect.

West Swindon neighbourhood policing officers swooped on a 35-year-old man in Middleleaze on Tueday night and a subsequent search of the man’s home revealed more than 20 items which police suspect may be linked to a recent spike in garage and shed break-ins across the area.

There have been around 40 burglaries and car break-ins in West Swindon, primarily in Shaw, Middleleaze and Grange Park, since the start of November and officers are concerned at the number of properties that have been left unsecured.

PC Tom Turner said the arrest was made after officers received intelligence and managed to make the arrest, with the 35-year-old now on bail.

“We were passed a little bit of information relating to a series of non-dwelling burglaries in the west over recent weeks and we made the arrest on Tuesday night,” PC Turner said.

“We seized 20 items which we believe have been stolen and may be linked to the recent spate of shed and garage break-ins. “There was a lawn-mower, a power drill, a fishing rod and tackle, as well as mobile phones, watches.

“Since the start of November we have had just over 40 incidents reported of items being taken from sheds and garages and theft from motor vehicles. This is obviously a lot but in some of these incidents nothing was taken and in the majority the vehicles and garages were left insecure.

“We need people to come forward and identify if they recognise any of the items. If we cannot prove it is stolen we will have to return it to the suspect.”

Anyone who has been a victim of burglary in the area or has any information should contact tom.turner@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk.