A JEWELLERY box was stolen during a series of burglaries and attempted burglaries in Tidworth last weekend.

Between midday and 6.30pm on Saturday, January 7, a property in Abbotts Close was broken into where an untidy search of the property was carried out.

A jewellery box containing gold necklaces, rings - including a wedding ring - earrings and bracelets was taken.

Later that night, another Abbotts Close resident saw a man after hearing noises by the rear door of the property shortly before midnight.

The man is described as white, of slim build, around six foot tall and wearing dark clothing.

During the early hours of the morning on Monday, January 9, residents of a third property in the same street were woken by a noise which they later discovered was an attempt to break into the property via a rear door but the perpetrator was unsuccessful.

PC Alan Cromwell said: "We believe that these incidents may be linked with the same offender(s) involved in each.

"An investigation is underway and it is important that the local community report any suspicious activity they see or hear in the area immediately so that we can take action. Even though no entry was gained in two of the incidents, it will have been a frightening experience for the victims.

"By reporting suspicious activity, people or even vehicles, you help us and in doing so may help to prevent friends or neighbours from becoming victims as well as yourselves."

Wiltshire Police has issued the following home security advice:

• Keep all doors locked, even when you are in the house, to prevent people walking in without you knowing and double check they are locked at night

• Fit doors with mortice locks

• All windows should be fitted with locks except those designated as fire escapes and remember to use them especially for windows on the ground floor

• Keep valuable items out of view and mark them with a property marking system

• Never leave a spare key in a plant pot or letter box, a thief will know where to look

• Secure the rear of your property and make sure you have good lighting around your property and consider investing in a burglar alarm

• Keep car keys out of sight

• Lock tools and ladders away so thieves can’t use them to break in

• Make sure you have up to date contents insurance

• Do not keep large amounts of cash at home – it is much safer in a bank or building society.

• Don’t keep valuable items on display and always keep purses and wallets hidden away

• Never keep pin numbers with credit or debit cards.

• Make sure any hedging at the front of your property is no higher than one meter. This will allow you and people passing by to see anyone acting suspiciously.

• Take photographs of all jewellery including hallmarks and keep them safe. Do not leave valuable jewellery in a box on your dressing table as it’s the first place a thief will look. Choose another container and another place in the house.

• Make a list of the serial numbers of your electronic items and keep it safe.

• If you are going on holiday - Inform trusted friends / neighbours and ask them to keep an eye on your property and collect your post. Consider purchasing timers for your lights as signs of occupation help deter thieves and remember to cancel deliveries such as newspapers and milk.

• Be vigilant and if you see anyone acting suspiciously take their description and details of any vehicle registration including direction of travel and call the police on 101 or 999 if they are about to break into a property.

• Join your Neighbourhood Watch and Community Messaging for information relevant to your area scheme https://www.wiltsmessaging.co.uk/pages/2756/1/Home.html

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Alan Cromwell at Amesbury Police Station on 101.