POLICE are warning people to keep their homes safe from thieves following a spate of burglaries.

Officers say homes have been targeted around Swindon, with Rodbourne, Rodbourne Cheney and Gorse Hill particularly affected.

One woman, who lives in the town centre, said burglars broke into her house in the middle of the night.

She was traumatised after they broke in through a back door and stole a wallet, a purse and a car containing a Christmas gift for her son. The car was later recovered in Swindon by officers.

Wiltshire Police are investigating the incident which took place in the early hours of November 16.

“I woke up in the night when I heard a loud bang but I didn’t think anything of it, I just thought it was my son, and I went back to sleep,” said the woman, who wishes to remain anonymous.

“It wasn’t until the next morning at about half past six that we noticed my purse had gone from the kitchen where I left it, and my bank card and car keys as well.

“My husband’s wallet was also taken and when we looked outside we saw my car was gone.”

The woman said the incident had left her young son too frightened to sleep at night.

She warned other householders to take care.

“I’d say take your valuables to bed with you. We’ve upped our security since and have had an alarm fitted.”

PC Nick Payne from Wiltshire Police said: “Please make sure that your homes are secure, make sure all doors and windows are locked. If you see any suspicious activity please call Swindon police on 101 or 999 if a crime is in progress.”

To keep your home safe:

Keep car keys out of sight

Never leave keys in a plant pot or letter box, a thief will know where to look

Keep front and back doors locked even when you are in the house to prevent people walking in without you knowing

Fit doors with mortice locks

Fit locks on all windows, except those designated as fire escapes

Keep valuable items out of view and mark them with a property marking system

Make sure you have good lighting around your property and consider getting a burglar alarm

Lock tools and ladders away so thieves can’t use them to break in.