HOMEOWNERS in Purton are being asked to be more vigilant following a spate of burglaries in the village.

Between June 20 and July 15 there have been three burglaries and one attempted burglary.

This is in comparison to eight burglaries in the 12 months leading up to July 1.

Details of the incidents are:

Burglary at a house on Station Road on 26/6/14 between 12noon and 3pm. Cash was stolen.

• Burglary at a house on College Road between 3pm on 02/07/14 and 8.45am on 03/07/14. Items of jewellery were stolen.

• Burglary at a house Ringsbury Close between 04/07/14 and 9.30am on 08/07/14. Jewellery was stolen.

• Attempted burglary took place at a property on Lower Pavenhill at 5.30pm on 15/07/14. The homeowner disrupted the male trying the conservatory door.

The local Neighbourhood Policing Team and the Priority Crime Team are working together and would like anyone with information on these incidents to contact them on 101 immediately.

Information can also be left anonymously on Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Home security advice:

• Keep front and back doors locked even when you are in the house to prevent people walking in without you knowing and double check they are locked at night

• Fit doors with mortice locks

• All windows should be fitted with locks except those designated as fire escapes

• Keep valuable items out of view and mark them with a property marking system

• Never leave a spare key in a plant pot or letter box, a thief will know where to look. Also, do not leave keys in the door or in reach of a letterbox/cat flap.

• Make sure you have good lighting around your property and consider investing in a burglar alarm

• Keep car keys out of sight

• Lock tools and ladders away so thieves can’t use them to break in

• Make sure you have up to date contents insurance

• If you see anyone acting suspiciously take down any vehicle registration numbers and contact Wiltshire Police on 101 or if a crime is in progress dial 999.