BURGLARS smashed a rear-door window at a house in Purton last week before making off with jewellery found within the home while the householders were away.

A key had been left on the inside of a rear door at the house on College Road in Purton, and the offenders smashed a hole in the window pane in order to turn the lock.

The occupants had left the house at 3.30pm on Wednesday and returned around 8.45am the following morning, only to discover that the burglars had turned the house upside down searching for valuables to steal.

There are currently no suspects and police are appealing for any witnesses to the burglary, including anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in residential areas of the village, to contact them with relevant information.

This incident was not opportunistic as the offenders forced entry to the property, and police are warning people to make the proper precautions even if the house is fully secured, including taking keys out of locks and making sure valuables are not left on display.

It is not thought the offenders have limited their activities to Purton and may have been seen in other outlying villages.

DC Sonia Marsh, of the Priority Crime Team of Wiltshire Police, is asking for anyone with information to come forward.

“We are appealing for witnesses to a dwelling burglary which occurred in College Road in Purton,” she said.

“The burglary occurred between 3.30pm on Wednesday, July 2 and 8.45am on Thursday, July 3. The burglars entered the property via a secure rear door by shattering the glass and making a hole in the glass with which to reach through to the inside of the door with the key still in the lock.

“The offenders then made an untidy search of the house and stole an amount of jewellery from within.

“We would advise the public to be on their guard and not leave windows open in their premises no matter how small the window.

“Always remove keys from doors and put them far enough away from the door as to be reachable in an emergency but not close enough to be reached from the outside.

“If anyone has seen this incident or seen anything unusual in Purton or the outlying villages of Swindon, any suspicious activity or vehicles, or have any information that might assist in the apprehension of the offenders they should contact the Priority Crime Team at Gablecross police station on 01793 507912, or alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.”