AFTER a dozen cars were vandalised or broken into in a wrecking-spree in Melksham on Friday and Saturday, police have increased the number of patrols to try and clamp down on this.

The first of many incidents took place on Friday just after 5am when police received a report that a Nissan Sunny had been stolen from a driveway in Wiltshire Crescent.

Allegedly, at 3.50am, that same car reversed into Gowen House, High Street, and hair products were stolen from inside.

Also during the night, tyres on a Freight Rover Metro, a Rover MGS, a Renault Clio, a Renault Kangoo, a Nissan 350Z, a Vauxhall Vectra, a Honda Logo Auto, a Hyundai i20, a Peugeot 206 and a Volkswagen Polo, all parked in Hampshire Place, were all slashed.

This was followed by a Vauxhall Insignia, which was parked in Devonshire Place, having its tyres punctured between 4.30pm on Friday and 11.30am on Saturday.

Then at 3.50pm, police got another report that a man had walked onto the driveway of a home in Sangster Avenue and tried to drive off with a car and a motorbike. A bike that was on the driveway was then stolen.

PC Charly Chilton said: “Following a spate of vehicle crime in Melksham, we will be carrying out high visibility patrols in the area over the coming days and nights.

“We would encourage residents to be mindful when parking vehicles and ensure you leave cars and motorbikes in well-lit areas where possible.

“Please also ensure vehicles are locked at all times and do not leave valuables inside – this can be seen as an invitation to opportunist thieves.

“This spate of crime over the weekend has no doubt inconvenienced a number of people who were only aware of the damage the following morning when they attempted to use their vehicles.

“We’d like to appeal to anyone who saw or heard any suspicious activity in the area, who has not already spoken to police, to please call us on 101. Any information you have may be crucial to our investigation.”

Information can be left with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.