POLICE are linking three raids on homes across Swindon where jewellery is the only item stolen and where one haul alone was worth almost £30,000.

Officers in Swindon are now appealing for witnesses and information after the three break-ins – one in Old Town, one in Walcot and one in Shrivenham Road in the last week alone.

In two of the incidents, the homeowners had been away on holiday and the third, the occupant had gone for a walk.

The latest theft took place some time over the weekend when the raiders forced open a patio door of the house in Old Town and stole various items of jewellery worth almost £30,000 but ignored other high value items.

Another burglary at a home in Walcot took place overnight between August 20 and 21.

Again, the homeowners were away on holiday at the time and only jewellery was stolen.

A third attempted burglary was reported in Shrivenham Road at about 8.20pm on August 20 when someone had attempted to force the front door while the occupant had gone out for a short while but had failed to get in.

Detective Constable Ian Crouch said: “We believe these three incidents are possibly linked, with a similar method of entry in each case and particularly because the offenders have targeted only jewellery.

“We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who saw anybody acting suspiciously in the areas of the three incidents at the times stated.

“Anyone who has been offered any items of jewellery but doesn’t know where it has come from or who believes people to be buying or selling stolen goods should contact police on 0845 408 7000.”

People are reminded of the following advice to help keep their homes and personal possessions safe: l Fit key-operated locks to windows l Good exterior lighting can deter a thief l Use time switches for lights when the property is empty l Visible burglar alarms make thieves think twice l Going on holiday? Ask a neighbour to adjust curtains/turn on lights/remove piled up post /add rubbish to your bin l Make sure your property is secure especially in the summer when we are all more likely to leave windows and doors open l Uniquely mark items so they are then no use to a thief l Register your items on a site such as www.immobilise.com.

Detailed crime prevention advice and information on how to join a local neighbourhood watch scheme is available from crime prevention officers on 0845 408 7000.

Anyone with information in relation to any of the incidents detailed above, can contact Wiltshire Police on 0845 408 7000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously.