POLICE have vowed to step up patrols in the Coate area after three cars were broken into in the space of one night last week.

The incident follows weeks of people posting on social media about cars being damaged in east Swindon - especially in Eldene, Liden, Nythe and Dorcan.

Community Co-ordinator PCSO Philip Day said: “There was an incident reported to us which consisted of three vehicles being broken into and items stolen overnight between July 31 and August 1 at a car park close to Coate Water.

"Local Officers will be following up on all available enquiries and patrolling the area throughout the coming nights. Unfortunately, on this occasion, items of value were left in at least one of the unattended vehicles.

"We would like to take this opportunity to re-iterate the importance of ensuring that all valuable items are removed from vehicles when left unattended.

"We ask that anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour around unattended vehicles to please call us on 101, or alternatively 999 if there is a crime in progress.”