Residents are being urged to take precautions before going on holiday by Melksham Police after a number of empty properties in the town were broken into.

Thieves broke into a bungalow in Sherwood Avenue while the occupants were away. They entered through a back bedroom window between May 22 and 29, stealing £160 cash and a wedding ring.

Last week a house in Greenwood Road was also targeted while the occupants were away.

PC Emily Thomas, of the Melksham Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Use timers for lights and radios to create the impression someone is home, and cancel milk and newspaper deliveries.”

See at www.facebook.com/ MelkshamNeighbourhood PolicingTeam for more advice.