RESIDENTS are urged to be mindful of their home security following a number of burglaries across the county in recent weeks.

In most cases, the burglaries have been taking place during the night while the homeowners are asleep but doors have been left unlocked.

In Westbury, a number of addresses in Storridge Road were targeted between March 11 and 12 with sheds and homes entered. In one incident, a house was entered via the conservatory doors and in another incident in the same street, offenders entered a house via unlocked back doors, and a mobile phone and wallet were stolen.

Overnight on March 13/14, houses in Talavera Way, Tidworth, were targeted – on one occasion the homeowner was disturbed by offenders attempting to open the front door which had a chain on, while in another incident, clothing items and keys stolen were stolen from a house.

Overnight on March 15/16, houses in Longcroft Avenue, Devizes, were targeted. At one address, a Samsung TV, Samsung Notebook, Playstation and other items were stolen after a door was left unlocked. At another address in the same street, bags, wallets and other items were stolen – again the door was left unlocked.

Det Con Jo Chesshire said: “Burglary can have a really significant impact on victims and I would like to reassure all the victims in these cases that we are doing all we can to identify those responsible.

“I would however really like to stress the importance of locking all doors and windows, including when you are at home and sleeping. A lot of the time, offenders are opportunists who will try their luck and if they find a door is open, they will see it as an invitation into your home.

“We are keeping an open mind as to whether or not these incidents are linked and our enquiries into each incident are ongoing.

“Over the coming weeks it is likely that more people will be at home during the day and night – please be mindful of your home security during this time and do not become complacent. Always ensure front and back doors are locked, even when you are in the house to prevent people walking in without you knowing and always double check they are locked at night.

"Make sure valuable items are kept out of view and never leave spare keys in plant pots or under a doormat as thieves will find them. It's also important to ensure your car keys are not left near doors and windows.”

Anyone with information on any of these incidents should call police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.