A new home in Calne has been severely damaged, with a group of young people thought to be the culprits.

Mud and paint were strewn across the property's doors and walls in the incident, which took place at 11.44pm on March 13 on Regent Park.

The damage caused currently stands at £5000.

PCSO Mark Cook, of Wiltshire Police, said: “Although this property was unoccupied it has been purchased by new owners. The owners have been advised in regards to the damaged caused to their new home.

"It's a great disappointment that new residents have experienced this prior to moving into our town. I would urge anyone with any information to contact us.

“Along with the extensive damage mud and paint has been thrown around the property and smeared on the walls and doors.

"Several youths were sighted running from the location at the time it was reported to us, but unfortunately they were not located by the attending officers.

"I would like to ask parents to cast their minds back to this evening, if your child returned home with extensive mud/soil or paint on their clothes or footwear to please get in contact with us."

Enquiries are currently ongoing into the incident.

If you have any information on any which may assist police with their enquiries in relation to this crime, please contact Wiltshire Police on 101, quoting the crime reference numbers: 54210024111 and 54210024124.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crime stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Meanwhile, car owners in Calne have been warned to be on their guard after a spate of vehicle thefts and damage over the past few days.

A community transport vehicle was also targeted causing £4,000 worth of damage.

Police say they have received several reports of vehicles being broken into, damage caused and items taken in Rutherford Road, Davy Drive, Beversbrook Road.

"We are seeing a spike in reports of thefts from vehicles, with a variety of items taken," said PCSO Mark Cook.

"We are carrying out extensive enquiries, and believe many of these crimes are likely to have been carried out by the same persons.

"The damage caused to a vehicle used to transport many local residents is partially upsetting."

Pro-active patrols are being stepped up in these and other locations in Calne.