POLICE officers in the Rodbourne area of Swindon are appealing for information and offering security advice following a recent series of garage break-ins in the area.

Between February 19 and 23 there were 10 reports of garage break-ins in the Ferndale Road area of Rodbourne.

All the incidents occurred overnight between 10pm and 5.30am and in each case padlocks were cut off, possibly with bolt croppers or a similar tool before a search of the garage was made.

Rodbourne Community Beat Manager PC Dave Johnson said: “Nothing significant has been taken as a result of these break-ins but we are concerned that this may mean those responsible will repeat their crime.

“A series of break-ins like this is unusual in this area and I am asking all residents to be extra vigilant during twilight hours and contact police or Crimestoppers as soon as possible if they see anything suspicious or anyone seen acting suspiciously.”

Garage owners are being advised to fit strong padlocks to sheds and garage doors, consider having lockable steel boxes fitted to the floor of sheds and garages to store tools in or anchor posts fitted to secure larger tools and equipment and visibly mark your property.

Anyone with any information in relation these incidents is asked to contact PC Dave Johnson on 0845 408 7000.

Alternatively people can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where they can leave information anonymously if they wish.