A COUPLE who had to scare away three burglars from their home have urged people to take extra security measures.

Lee and Jo Chapman discovered three burglars in their garden on the night of Sunday, April 15 at their home in Siddington Road in Cirencester.

After getting up to go to the toilet, Lee spotted a torchlight and then proceeded to shout at the burglars and they ran away.

The couple have since upgraded their security and are urging others to stay vigilant and take extra care.

Jo said: “I went to the living room to lie on the sofa in the night and then my husband got up to go to the toilet.

“He saw a torch light in the garden and thought it was me. He then heard whispering and realised it was burglars. They were shining their torches towards our gym at the back of the bungalow.

“He then shouted at them and they ran away. Two of them climbed over the fence onto Siddington Road and one escaped over towards Melmore Garden.

“We rang the police but they said there wasn’t a lot they could do but they came half an hour later and gave us a lot of security advice which we’ve implemented so we’re ready not and more secure. It’s costing us a lot but we don’t care.”

It’s not the first time there’s been a burglary in the area a Jo, 66, explained.

“Three years ago someone had £6,000 worth of tools stolen,” she said.

“I’d advise anyone who is doing building work not to leave tools in building. Also call the police and ask for advice, some of the things they told us we never thought of and are good ideas.

“I was angry because they feel they’re entitled to steal what we’ve worked hard for.”

Sgt Garrett Gloyn of Cirencester police, attended the property but the individuals had already left the scene.

If anyone has any information please call 101, quoting incident number 479.

For security advice see gloucestershire.police.uk