Police appeal for witnesses after jewellery thieves raid homes in Royal Wootton Bassett

Wiltshire Police are appealing for information following a series of jewellery burglaries in Royal Wootton Bassett.

Unknown offender(s) have targeted three homes in the past couple of months and taken jewellery totaling thousands of pounds. 

The first reported break-in was during 24 July 2018 at a house on the High Street; the second was also on the High Street between 9pm on Sunday 16 September and 3pm on Monday 17 September and the most recent one took place on Saffron Close between 5.30pm on Friday 21 September and 1.30pm on Sunday 22 September.  

It's not clear at this stage if the three are linked. 

PC Jordan Gratton said:  "We'd like to appeal to those in the local community who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in these areas to come forward.

 "Also, if you are offered cheap gold and antique jewellery - perhaps the price is too good to be true - to be careful as it may be stolen.

"If you see jewellery that you believe to be stolen, please report it to us as soon as possible." 
 

As the nights are drawing in and houses are often left in darkness until the occupants return home from work, police would like to give some guidance for residents to keep their properties secure: 

• If you are out when it gets dark leave a light on in the house and perhaps a radio on.  Make it look like someone is home.
• There is a trend for smashed rear patio doors or windows to gain entry to houses.  Make sure that side gates and access to the rear of your property is secure.  Keep wheelie bins away from gates so they can’t be used to climb up on.
• Bolt and padlock gates so someone can’t reach over the open side gates.
• Keep all windows closed and locked. Even the small windows.
• Don’t leave keys in patio doors, windows or back doors. Take them out and hide them out of view.
• Be a nosy neighbour and be aware of who is parked outside your neighbours' houses if they aren’t in.  Write down descriptions of vehicles or persons you think may be suspicious and tell the police.
• If you have house alarms or CCTV cameras, make sure they are working. Please inform local police officers if you have CCTV as your cameras may have captured something you aren’t aware of.
• Keep jewellery locked away. Ideally in a safe but otherwise well out of sight.

Anyone with information about the burglaries is asked to contact PC Jordan Gratton on 101.  Alternatively, information can be left anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.