Police are warning residents in Malmesbury and the surrounding areas against rural crime.

Over the past week, Malmesbury police say they have been receiving reports of men approaching farms and asking 'odd questions' such as 'is your car for sale?' or 'your tree needs cutting down'.

The men are then said to have tried to force their way through electric gates.

Officers want people in the rural community to be on the lookout for two vehicles linked with these incidents, a white '19' plate Mercedes and a white '63' plate VW Golf.

A spokesman for Malmesbury police said: "Police will be out and about in these areas completing patrols, as and when our resource allows us.

"Please share this with family and friends in Malmesbury in rural areas.

"If you are approached by the males in the vehicles or sighted the vehicles in your location – please call 101 or 999 if a crime involving them, is in process."