NIGHT patrols have increased in the Malmesbury area following a spate of burglaries.

Thieves have been breaking into outbuildings, shipping containers and sheds during the night to steal valuable items such as expensive tools and fuel.

For example, a shipping container in Charlton was broken into sometime between 5pm on Saturday, March 2 and 9.30am on Sunday, March 3.

Electric power tools and red diesel were stolen during the raid.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 101 and quote crime reference number 54240025330 or report online via orlo.uk/uvI1U.

Wiltshire Police confirmed that four other similar incidents have been reported around Malmesbury and Corsham over the last few weeks. 

Investigations into these incidents are ongoing. 

Officers have urged residents, especially those with commercial or personal shipping containers, to read the following advice:

  • Consider a battery-operated shed alarm, they respond to movement or door contact with an extremely loud siren.
  • Lock everything away securely. Tools can be locked inside a locker or box or secured with a chain.
  • Secure your bike to the ground or a lockable stand within a locked shed or garage. 
  • Property marking your items is advisable and some tools can be painted with your name or postcode. Forensic marking is also an option.
  •  Register all your valuables on the National Property Register's website 

For crime prevention advice https://orlo.uk/0QFtC