Police are urging residents in parts of Wiltshire to be vigilant following a spate of burglaries.

Burglars broke into a shipping container in Charlton between 5pm on March 2 and 9.30am on March 3, then stole electric power tools and red diesel.

Wiltshire Police says this is the fifth incident of a similar nature that has been reported in the Malmesbury and Corsham areas in recent weeks.

A spokesperson said: "Our enquiries into these incidents are ongoing and we have increased our patrols in these areas overnight.

"We’d like to urge residents, particularly those with commercial or personal shipping containers, to follow this advice:

Consider a battery-operated shed alarm. They look low key but they respond to movement or door contact with an extremely loud siren.

"Don’t give them the opportunity or the tools to commit a crime. Lock everything away securely. Tools can be locked inside a locker or box or secured with a chain.

"Secure your bike to the ground or a lockable stand within a locked shed or garage.

"Property marking your items is advisable and some tools can be painted with your name or postcode. Forensic marking is also an option.

"Register your valuables on the National Property Register Website.

"Anyone with information should call 101 and quote crime reference number 54240025330 or report online via https://orlo.uk/uvI1U"