Thieves are targeting expensive cars in Swindon.

Police are appealing for help from members of the public after three people were seen acting suspiciously in Tadpole Garden Village.

Residents living in certain streets have now been encouraged to check their doorbells and CCTV footage from the early hours of Wednesday morning on April 19. 

Detective Constable Jo Chesshire, from Wiltshire Police, said: "We believe this incident could be connected to the theft of high-value cars.

"We would particularly like to hear from anyone who has footage around 4am on The Leasowes, Kinsley Close, Mackay Crescent, Daneway, Blackwell Close and Highground."

DC Chessire also repeated advice that Wiltshire Police has recently given to car owners to protect against advanced theft methods. 

"We would encourage keyless car owners to put the key card or fob in a Faraday case/pouch – a special bag with a metal lining – to block any transmissions, and to use a steering lock where possible – an ‘old school’ security measure that is also a visual deterrent to would-be thieves. "

In a post on its Facebook page, Wiltshire Police also provided a list of general things that people could do to keep their cars safe.

Advice to car owners to deter would-be vehicle thieves

Here are some more crime prevention points to consider which could prevent a vehicle from being taken:

• Keep your vehicle locked, windows shut and your keys secure.

• Park the vehicle in a locked garage where possible.

• Where possible, park in a well-lit area and in clear view of your property and any CCTV cameras.

• Do not leave any valuables such as wallets, phones, Sat Navs etc on display.

• Mark the items of property/tools that are stored in the vehicle using an artificial DNA property marker such as Smartwater or SelectaDNA.

• If you have a second, non-keyless vehicle, park that behind the high-value one.

• Check with your car dealership as they can offer advice and the manufacturer/dealer can often track the vehicle if it is stolen.

• If the vehicle is a company car, check with your fleet managers who can offer crime prevention and tracking advice.

DC Chesshire added: "If you have any information that can help in our enquiries, please call 101 and quote incident number 54230040880.

"Call 999 immediately if you see a crime in progress or any suspicious activity around vehicles in your area. Note the registration numbers of vehicles and descriptions of those involved."