HOMEOWNERS are being encouraged to be mindful of the darker evenings after a number of homes in Chippenham have been targeted by burglars.

A man's yellow gold signet ring with a single diamond in star set surround, a yellow gold signet ring with square design, a ladies yellow gold ring with blue opal stone and diamonds set around, a while gold ladies ring with four blue tanzanite stones were stolen from a house in Thirsk Close on November 10 after a patio door was smashed.

A ladies yellow gold ring with cubic zacona, a white gold ring with five tanzanite stones, a nine carat yellow gold oval hoop earrings, two pars of yellow gold hoop earrings and button earrings in yellow, rose and white gold were also stolen from the house.

Later that day a house in Aintree Drive was also targeted with an iPad and jewellery stolen.

Detective Constable Kev Golledge said: “We understand the devastating impact being burgled can have on homeowners and we are currently carrying out enquiries into these burglaries which we believe may be linked.

“I’d like to remind residents that with the nights getting darker much earlier, it is important to be mindful of your home security. Consider timers on lights so it would appear somebody is home or alarms and CCTV - we believe offenders are targeting properties which appear unoccupied in the early evenings before residents return home from work or a day out. They will close curtains or blinds so they can search quickly and without anybody seeing. We believe they remain on scene for just a matter of minutes before leaving with, most often, jewellery.

“I’d like to hear from anyone who may have information in relation to these burglaries or anyone who may have information into the whereabouts of the items stolen. Please call us on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”