A SPATE of distraction burglaries have been carried out across Swindon, which may all be linked.

The first incident happened on Tuesday at around 3.15pm when a man knocked on the door of a house in Welcombe Avenue saying he was there to fix the water pipes.

The homeowner later discovered that someone had stolen jewellery and cash from his bedroom cupboards.

He described the suspect as being a man in his 20s, of skinny build with short, dark unkempt hair. He was wearing dark trousers and a light blue shirt.

A similar incident happened around 4.20pm when a man approached a woman in her garden in Shaftesbury Avenue and told her he was there to fix a burst pipe.

Her daughter then discovered a second man upstairs searching their bedrooms.

The first man is described as being 5ft 9ins tall, white and wearing a gold mask and black cap. 

He called himself George and was dressed in a black bomber jacket, white shirt, black trousers, and Gucci belt.

The second was of a similar height, of mixed race with short, dark curly hair. He was wearing a white shirt and blue jeans.

A third burglary was carried out in Bilborough Drive, Walcot between 3pm and 7.45pm while the homeowners were out.

A white man aged between 17-21 approached a homeowner asking if they wanted their windows cleaned.

Later, when the homeowner left the house, the front door was forced open, and cash was stolen from a tin in one of the bedrooms.

PC Grant Hesketh from the South Central Neighbourhood Policing team said: “We are urging people to remain vigilant and never allow anyone they don’t know into their home.

“If you are ever suspicious or have any doubts about anyone, don’t let them in. 

"If you have a door chain, make sure it’s on before opening the door. 

"If they won’t leave you alone, close the door and ring somebody you trust to come and help you.”