A TEENAGER broke into the home of a elderly Asian couple in Grange Park while they were in hospital and stole thousands of pounds worth of gold in the most recent in a spate of burglaries in Swindon.

The 17-year-old boy, of Chippenham, who cannot be named for legal reasons, will be made to pay back the pensioners after being arrested and brought before the courts this week.

A total of £2,900 worth of gold was taken from the home in Chancellor Close on Friday morning when witnesses saw four people forcing their way in.

The teenager was arrested soon after, having been found hiding in some bushes nearby.

Michelle Hewitt, prosecuting, told the court: “He appears before you in custody charged with a serious offence of a dwelling burglary which occurred on Friday morning in Chancellor Close.

“There were eye witnesses who saw four people entering a house, where they knew the occupier, an elderly person had gone to visit their partner in hospital.

“While the premises was empty the offenders have gained entry by climbing a fence and forcing entry, with an unknown male making his way upstairs and stealing a quantity of Asian gold.

“Police were alerted and came to the scene quickly, and the defendant was the only one detained when he was found hiding in some bushes. 

“He made admissions on being interviewed. He is currently on police bail in relation to other investigations.”

The 17-year-old’s mother, who accompanied him to court, told the bench: “He is very sorry for what he has done.”

There have been a number of thefts reported from homes of Asian families around Swindon in recent months, and police have been investigating the offences.

DC Claire Smith, of Wiltshire Police, has urged residents to ensure their valuables are secure. 

“Banks have closed down safety deposit box availability in recent months, so the Asian community has been keeping jewellery at home, often high value wedding gifts,” she said.

“We would want people to go to the banks and put jewellery in safety deposit boxes.

"But if that is not possible to make sure they are secure at home and not left in a bedside drawer at home.”

The teenager was given a nine-month referral order at North Wiltshire Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning and made to pay compensation to his victims.