Villagers in Crudwell have been told to be on their guard after a spate of burglaries and attempted break-ins.

Neighbourhood Watch coordinator for the village, Margaret Perrin, said there had been seven cases in the past two months.

She said: “Crudwell is usually a very safe and peaceful village but it’s not been that way recently.

“We seem to have been targeted which is worrying.

“Elderly people are particularly vulnerable.”

Mrs Perrin said last month one couple had jewellery stolen from their home while they were on holiday and another woman woke up to find two people attempting to break in through the back door.

She said the burglars appeared to work in pairs and have focused on homes close to main roads, thus providing a quick getaway.

She added: “The police are keeping me up to date with information and I then email that on to interested parties so we can get the whole village notified quickly.

“It’s about making the village aware and staying vigilant. We’ve started taking down number plates of any vehicles which seem suspicious.”

Anyone with information about the burglaries is asked to call Wiltshire Police on 0845 408 7000.