Swindon residents have been warned to lock all their doors and windows before sleeping by the police.

This comes after a spate of burglaries in the North Swindon and Blunsdon areas this week put the force on high alert.

Two different houses in St Andrew’s Ridge have been targeted with the suspects gaining access by climbing in through open kitchen windows.

A car was stolen from one of the properties, later being found crashed near Calne.

The recent spike in burglaries continued as there was an attempt to steal another car a few streets away from St Andrew’s Ridge.

This proved unsuccessful as the intruder ran away after being disturbed by neighbours.

Elsewhere some jewellery was stolen from a Blunsdon Village house after the property’s back patio doors were forced open.

A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said: “We are asking everyone to be vigilant and take steps to protect their homes by locking windows, double locking or deadlocking doors, putting indoor lights on a timer so the property doesn’t appear empty, and setting up security lights and CCTV outside.

“We would also urge people to keep their eyes peeled for anything or anyone who seems suspicious and call us straight away if you have any concerns.”