POLICE are increasing patrols in Haydon End after a spate of incidents where thieves have tried to grab house keys by damaging letterboxes.

There have been three incidents at homes in Milbury Walk, including one in the early hours of Wednesday morning, where letterboxes have been broken into in an attempt to steal the keys hanging inside.

North Swindon police are now appealing to residents not to leave their keys hanging in the front door when locking up for the night.

A police spokesman said: “Offenders have tried to break off the letterboxes at three homes in Milbury Walk, it’s suspected that they were trying to reach in through the doors to open them.

“This happened in the early hours of Wednesday morning and thankfully they were unsuccessful in their efforts to break in, but they have left damage to the doors.

“Patrols are being increased accordingly, but we would appeal for people to remove the keys from the lock and keep them out of sight, and to report any suspicious activities immediately, thank you.”