POLICE are appealing for information after thieves stole and then crashed a car as well as stealing some prized beads from a Trowbridge home.

Overnight on Tuesday, suspects entered a house in St James Gardens, took a set of keys and then drove off in a blue Ford Focus from outside the property.

At 6.25am on Wednesday, the car was found after it had crashed into a wall in Manor Road, two miles away, causing the road to be partially blocked.

Police believe three men fled the scene and as they ran off, they took Mother of Pearl Rosary beads, which are of sentimental value, from the car as well.

Sergeant Gill Hughes said: “While the car has been recovered, the rosary beads are missing and we would really like to return these to the owner as they have sentimental value.

“We have carried out extensive house to house enquiries in both St James Gardens and Manor Road and would be really keen to hear from anyone who either heard any suspicious behaviour in St James Gardens overnight, or anyone who may have witnessed the vehicle colliding with a wall in Manor Road and saw the occupants of the vehicle run from the scene.

“I would like to continue to stress the importance of locking windows and doors overnight and every time you leave the house. Never leave a spare key in a hiding place like a plant pot or letter box as thieves know where to look. Please also ensure that all keys, purses and wallets are kept out of sight and away from doors and windows.

“It’s also important that residents report any suspicious activity they hear in their neighbourhood – this could be suspicious people or vehicles that you may not recognise that seem out of place. Be a nosey neighbour and report it via 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. If you think a crime is in progress, call 999.”