Wiltshire Police is appealing for witnesses after unknown offender(s) burgled one house and attempted to burgle another next door.
The burglary took place between midday and 4pm on Thursday 10 August 2017 on Queen’s Drive; the suspects stole an iPhone after managing to get in to the property by forcing a rear window.
In the same time frame unknown offender(s) also attempted to break-in to the house next door but failed, however a male suspect was spotted leaving the garden of this property around 3.30pm. He was described as wearing a grey hooded top and a dark coloured rucksack on his back and rode off on a silver/grey bicycle.
Both properties are close to the Coate Water end of Queen’s Drive.
If you can help with our enquiries please contact PC Cassey Evans or PC Laura Barwood on 101 or anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.
To improve the security in and around your home we are asking householders to remember the following advice:
• Lock your doors and windows every time you leave the house, even if you’re in the garden, and make sure you have approved locks or bolts on all doors and windows
• Never leave a spare key in a hiding place like in a plant pot or letterbox – a thief knows all the hiding places
• Keep all keys, purses and wallets out of sight and away from the letterbox
• Consider installing a burglar alarm, and only use a company that is registered or certified with the NSI or the SSIAB
• Do not open the door to anyone you don’t know or are not expecting. Always check by using a spy-hole or look through a window
• Make sure that you have up to date contents insurance
• Register all serial numbers from electrical items, tools and garden equipment with Immobilise.com the free national property register. Mark items without serial numbers with an artificial DNA property marker such as Smartwater or SelectaDNA
• Do not keep large amounts of cash at home – it is much safer in a bank or building society
• Trim back any plants and hedges at the front of your property to no higher than 1 metre to remove hiding places
• Always report any suspicious activity, note any vehicle registrations, descriptions of persons involved and direction of travel
• Use a timer to set lights to mimic your usual activity when you are not at home
• Take photographs of all jewellery including hallmarks and keep them safe. Also consider using an artificial DNA property marker on jewellery or other valuable items
• Make sure any bolts are low enough so they cannot be opened by reaching over the top of the gate
