A man has been arrested following reports of thefts from motor vehicles in Trowbridge over the past week.

Police officers detained the man after a "sharp-eared resident" heard an offence in process and did enough to stop him from disappearing into the darkness.

A spokesperson for Trowbridge Police said: “We received a few reports of thefts from motor vehicles in the Hilperton, Paxcroft Mead and Castle Mead area.

“Offences had been occurring overnight and property was being stolen fairly indiscriminately.

“In the early hours of yesterday morning, a sharp-eared resident heard an offence in progress and went outside to detain a would-be thief. 

“He did enough to keep the suspect from disappearing into the night and our Response Team 2 arrested a male nearby a short time later.”

Police warned residents to be careful not to leave valuables in vehicles overnight, even if they're hidden from view.