WILTSHIRE Police have sought to reassure petrified residents following a huge spike in burglaries right across the borough.

In recent months people have been left devastated by thieves breaking into their homes and making off with valuable items.

From Lydiard to Highworth, it would appear that nobody is safe from the clutches of thieves determined to take whatever they can lay their hands on.

As a result, Wiltshire Police have acknowledged that it is a “concerning time” for the town.

A spokesman for the force said: “Due to the recent spike in burglaries in and around Swindon we would like to offer crime prevention advice to residents.

“We at Wiltshire Police are working hard to identify the offenders and hold them to account.

“We would suggest locking garages and sheds so garden tools and ladders can’t be used to break into your home and installing a visible intruder alarm.

“Don’t leave your keys or ID documents within easy reach of doors, letterboxes or windows and close and lock all doors and windows. Once you have locked a door, remove the key and keep this in a safe place out of sight in case of a fire.”

People have also been advised to keep side gates locked and wheelie bins stored behind them.

Another suggestion is to use timer switches for lights to give the impression that somebody is at home.

In January, there were 224 burglaries across Swindon’s two parliamentary constituencies, which is almost double the number from January 2016.

Likewise, December 2016 saw 170 burglaries compared with 143 in December 2015 and November 2016 saw 240 compared with 184 the previous year.

Earlier this year burglars targeted around half a dozen stores in Blair Parade, Moredon Road, leaving people worried about further break-in attempts.

“They are obviously trying for money,” said Neil Mulcock, owner of The Cakehole, one of the Moredon Road businesses targeted.

“It must be someone looking for some quick cash. There were a few burglaries a couple of months ago and now it seems to have started again.”

And 74-year-old Trish Cheesley had several priceless possessions stolen in January when thieves broke into her home in Highworth daylight and ripped a safe off the wall.

A shaken Mrs Cheesley said: “When you’re living on your own, you live in fear, especially after this.”