Two men have been arrested after an eagle-eyed member of the public called police about a suspicious van in a Wiltshire town.

Police were called shortly before 10.30am this morning by someone who had seen a vehicle driving around slowly in the Cricklade area, with the occupants appearing to look at people’s houses and garages.

Officers attended and located the white Ford Transit van and, following a search of the vehicle, seized bolt-croppers and other tools. They also prohibited the vehicle from being used due its dangerous condition.

Two men, aged 25 and 27, believed to be from the Birmingham area, were arrested on suspicion of going equipped to steal and are currently in custody at Gablecross Police Station.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Katharine Smith, from Royal Wootton Basset Area Community Policing Team, said: “Thanks to this community-spirited person, who spotted something which just didn’t feel right, we have been able to make these arrests and potentially prevent burglaries or thefts in the area.

“If you see something suspicious or unusual in your community – for example, a vehicle which feels out of place or people who are acting suspiciously – then please call us on our non-emergency number 101. If you see a crime in progress then always call 999.”

We are also appealing for anyone else who has either seen this van or its occupants, or who has CCTV or dash cam footage which could assist our enquiries, to call us on 101, quoting crime reference 54200014631. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.