The Trowbridge area has seen four burglaries as a result of homes being left insecure since the beginning of the year.
In each case, car keys have been stolen from inside the addresses and the vehicles subsequently stolen from the driveways.
On 8 January, a house in Hargreaves Road was broken in to via an insecure back door and a Fiat 500 was stolen from outside. It was later recovered by police in a car park off Lambrok Road.
On 22 January, offenders gained access to a house in Blease Close via an unlocked back door and stole two sets of car keys, a wallet containing cash and debit cards. A Volvo C30 was stolen from outside and later recovered by police
On 23 February, suspects gained entry to a home in Cavell Court, again through an insecure back door, and stole a set of keys. They then stole a Vauxhall Insignia from outside, which was later located by officers in West Ashton Road. A 16-year-old male who was located nearby was arrested on suspicion of burglary and released on bail pending further enquiries.
On 3 March, a house in Frome Road was broken into via an insecure door and a wallet and keys were stolen. A BMW 320 was also stolen and later located in Orchard Road.
Sergeant Gill Hughes, of the Trowbridge, Melksham and Warminster community policing team, said: “To help deter and, at times, stop burglaries the advice could not be more simple. Please ensure doors and windows are locked every time you leave the house, even when just in the garden, and make sure you have approved locks or bolts to all doors and windows.
“Never leave a spare key in a hiding place such as a plant pot or letter box – thieves know all the hiding places. Make sure all keys, purses and wallets are kept out of sight and away from the letterbox.
“This advice may seem obvious, but many people are still leaving doors and windows open – this just makes a burglar’s route into your home so simple. Don’t give them an easy ride.
“Although we believe these incidents may be linked, we are keeping an open mind and believe there may be more than one offender.
“Fortunately, each of the vehicles stolen during these incidents has later been located by officers carrying out enquiries. Despite this, incidents of this nature can be upsetting and distressing for the victims.
“We continue with our enquiries and will be increasing patrols in these areas. Officers will also be at the market in Trowbridge this Wednesday to give out crime prevention advice to shoppers.
"I'd like to appeal to anyone who may have information on any of these incidents to get in touch via 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. We will follow up all lines of enquiry.”
North Bradley Parish