POLICE are warning people to be vigilant after a spate of burglaries across Wiltshire.

Since May 2009, there have been 39 domestic burglaries committed in north and west Wiltshire. These offences have stretched from Chippenham in the north to Mere in the south, and it appears that the main A350/A361 roads are common factors, with each of the attacked premises being close to these main roads.

All the burglaries have occurred during the daylight hours, with the offender going to the rear of the houses, and using a tool of some kind to force open the rear window, and climbing in. Once inside, the offender carries out a focussed, thorough search of the premises and steals good quality and/or antique jewellery. Electrical goods are being ignored.

Police are asking people to make a note of the details of any suspicious vehicles, and to have a minimum standard of a five lever mortice lock fitted on doors and key operated locks to windows.

They also recommend keeping an inventory of jewellery and antiques and to take photographs of them.