Police hunt burglars after string of thefts in Malmesbury and Royal Wootton Bassett
9:22am Thursday 13th September 2012 in Latest News By Staff reporter
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Police are hunting thieves who have carried out a string of burglaries in Royal Wootton Bassett and Malmesbury.
In the past four weeks, there have been nine separate raids from homes in Royal Wootton Bassett and six in Malmesbury in the past two months.
Although separate incidents, officers are keeping an open mind and investigating the possibility that some may be linked.
The burglaries in Royal Wootton Bassett have taken place mainly at night time when the victims have been asleep.
Most of the incidents involved the raiders breaking ikn through unlocked garages and patio doors. Property stolen has included pushbikes, purses and cash.
In Malmesbury, the burglaries have taken place during the day when the victims have been at work. Police believe the size of the items taken means the thieves have been using a car or van to take them away.
Officers are asking local residents to be extra vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Sergeant Martin Alvis of the Royal Wootton Bassett Neighbourhood Policing Team and PC Graham McLaughlin of the Malmesbury Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We are working closely with our colleagues from the proactive burglary team to identify those responsible for the burglaries.
“We have been conducting additional patrols to deter further break-ins.
“Anyone with information is asked to call us on 101 but if you see suspicious activity please contact us immediately on 999.”
Police are warning people to: ensure all windows and doors are secure, ensure any house alarms are properly activated while they are out, label postcodes on high value items with a UV marker and photograph any distinctive items and keep records of serial numbers.
Anyone with information can contact the local Neighbourhood Policing Team at Royal Wootton Bassett Police Station or Malmesbury Police Station.
Alternatively, information can be left with the Proactive Crime Team at Swindon Gablecross Police Station, by calling Wiltshire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.
