CRICKLADE homeowners have been burgled while on holiday.

Officers from Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade police issued a warning to residents after receiving a high number of reports about burglaries over the last few nights.

They offered safety advice and crime prevention tips in a bid to prevent further holidaymakers in the area returning from time away to a burgled home.

A spokesman said: "Can you arrange for a family friend to house-sit while you’re on holiday? Can you ask the neighbour to park their car on your drive?Do you have light timers on? Do you have a neighbour regularly checking in on your property?

"Don't post all over social media regarding your holiday - you don’t know who is watching your profile.

"Do ask neighbours or your house sitter to put your rubbish bins out as normal.

"There are several gadgets available nowadays to help improve your home's security, from recording video door bells to reasonably priced alarm and home CCTV systems."

Malmesbury homeowners have also been burgled around the same time.