Devizes police are warning householders not to leave keys near doors after break-ins at two homes.

The homes in the Broadleas and Hartmoor Road areas were targeted overnight on Sunday and Monday and a purse containing cash and cards was stolen from one house.

Inspector Matthew Armstrong said: “At the targeted premises it is clear that the offenders have sought to get hold of keys to the doors, left in the locks or hung up close to the door on the inside, in order to gain access.

"Personal effects were taken from one property and at the second it would appear the offenders did not gain entry to the house.

“There is currently a reduction in the number of burglaries committed in the Devizes area and targeting premises in this way is unusual.

"Do not leave keys in locks or hang them near to the door. Keys need to be in a place where you can access them in an emergency but far enough out of the reach of someone trying to get in.”