Police in Melksham are urging residents to take precautions before going on holiday, after a number of empty properties in the town were broken into.

Thieves broke into a bungalow on Sherwood Avenue while the occupants were away.

They entered through a back bedroom window at some point between May 22 and 29, stealing £160 cash and a wedding ring.

Last week a house on Greenwood Road was also targeted by thieves while the occupants were away.

PC Emily Thomas of the Melksham Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “If you are going to be away from home you can use timers for lights and radios to create the impression someone is home, and make sure to cancel regular deliveries such as milk and newspapers.

“You can also ask a relative or trusted neighbour to pop in and move post away from your door, and it might help to offer a neighbour the use of your driveway.”

See the NPT’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MelkshamNeighbourhoodPolicingTeam  for more safety advice, and anyone with information about any of the break-ins is asked to call 101.