POLICE are urging people in and around Marlborough to take basic security precautions, after a mini crime wave involving a spate of burglaries – all from unlocked homes, garages and cars.

In just one night 15 buildings and cars, mostly in the Kelham Gardens area of Marlborough, were searched and items including cash, phones and bicycles, adding up to thousands of pounds worth of people's precious possessions, were stolen.

Other areas targeted were Sorley Close, College Fields, Aubrey Close, as well as Hughes Close, Betjeman Road and Macneice Drive, with computer equipment stolen from a house in Cross Lane. The previous night tools were taken from a car parked at The Green.

“All buildings had been left insecure and offenders walked into the premises,” said Sgt Clare Wallace, of Marlborough Neighbourhood Policing Team.

“Please do not leave items, especially those of any value, inside your cars, lock doors and set the alarms. Other measures can be installed such as security motion sensitive lighting and CCTV."

Police said this week they were currently investigating 30 incidents, many of them involving thefts from local homes, garages, sheds and cars.

The 15 overnight thefts happened on September 15 and 16.

Officers are also investigating raids that took place at Cosy Bean Café, Mercers of Marlborough and charity shop Dogs Trust, just off Marlborough High Street in Hilliers Yard, overnight on Tuesday, September 22.

A window was smashed at the Cosy Bean and cash, the contents of a charity pot and sweets were taken. Cash was stolen from Mercers and the safe was removed from the Dogs Trust but found in Mercers next door.

Several other houses have also broken into in the past two weeks. Jewellery and cash were stolen from a house at Savernake Crescent after entry was gained through a smashed window last Monday, September 21. while the previous Thursday two houses in Ogbourne St Andrew had jewellery, electrical equipment and cash stolen during the day. At one home the door was been smashed open, while the door to the other was removed. completely

In Collingbourne Ducis the rear door of a property in Cadley Road was forced open and the house searched between 8am and 3.30pm on September 15.

Officers have also renewed their plea for information on a burglary in Manningford Bruce near Pewsey on August 24, between 9am to 2pm.

A large amount of property was stolen including high value silverware, two watches, various items of jewellery and an ornate carriage clock.

Police are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen or heard anybody acting suspiciously in the area during this time. In particular, they would like to speak to the driver of a silver Transit van, or anybody who may have seen the van in the area.

Anyone with any information on any of the incidents should call police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. Marlborough Neighbourhood Policing Team also offers free safety advice and can be contacted by calling 101.