POLICE are increasing patrols in the Trowbridge area following a series of vehicle break-ins.

Overnight between 5pm on April 19 and 9am on April 20, a Citroen Relay van was broken into in The Croft and brand new tools to the value of around £1,000 were stolen.

During the same night, between 9pm and 8.45am, a Ford Transit in Westbury Road was broken into and three drills, a corded drill and electrical tester to the value of £2,000 were stolen.

Over the same time a Ford Transit was broken into in Carlton Row and tools worth £450 were stolen including drills and a radio.

Sometime between 6.30pm and 7.50am, a Peugeot Expert was broken into in Westbury Road and a variety of power tools were stolen, worth around £3,000. The lock and handle were also taken off the rear door.

And between 6pm on Saturday, 22 April and 10am on Sunday, 23 April, a Ford Transit in Broadley Park was broken into and items stolen include a thermal imaging camera and data loggers.

Community Coordinator Alex Trombetta said: “We have seen a number of incidents like this in recent weeks and with this latest spate, all vehicles were securely locked.

“We recognise the impact incidents of this nature can have on victims. Many will be prevented from earning a living due to the loss of their tools.

“I would like to reassure these victims, and the wider community, that we are investigating robustly and will follow all lines of enquiry. Our officers will be increasing patrols over the coming weeks in a bid to prevent further spates of this type of crime.

“We would like to hear from anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in these areas during the times mentioned – the information you have may seem insignificant but it could really help our investigation.

“We would also like to hear from anyone who may have seen these items for sale online, or anyone who may have been offered these tools to buy.”

Call 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.