Wiltshire Police investigating series of garage break-ins in Swindon

Wiltshire Police is appealing for witnesses after a number of garage break-ins took place on Sunday 13 November 2016 around 8.45pm in the same area of Swindon.

The garages are all on Kenwin Close, Stratton.

Nothing was stolen - although some items were removed from one garage and dumped in another.

PC Jeffrey Smith said:  "We would like to speak to anyone who heard or saw anything suspicious or anyone acting suspiciously in the Kenwin Close area around this time.

"My advice to anyone with a garage or shed is to please follow our crime prevention advice to make sure it's secure."

Tips to make your garage and shed more secure:

• If you use padlocks, invest in a good quality closed shackle padlock

• Fit backplates and use threaded coach bolts for all door hinges, hasps and staples to prevent them being wrenched free

• Chain large items together with smaller items

• Board over or fit welded mesh to any windows and use net curtains to stop people seeing what you have inside

• Install security lighting

• Fit additional locks to your up and over garage door – the standard fitted locks are not always sufficient to prevent a break-in

• Treat any pedestrian door to your garage as you would an outside door of your home – fit a minimum five- lever mortice lock to secure it

• Make sure all items in your garage and shed are security marked.

• Take photos and record make, model and serial numbers of power tools.

• Check sure your insurance covers items in garages, shed and outhouses.

Remember, tools from your shed or garage could be used to break into your home – by securing them you are making your home more secure.

If you can help with our enquiries please contact PC Jeffrey Smith on 101 or anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.