Vehicle owners and taxi drivers are being urged to stay vigilant following a spate of break-ins in Swindon.

Throughout February, Wiltshire Police have received numerous reports of vehicles in Swindon being targeted by thieves.

Many of the reports have similar details, and the issue seems particularly rife in the town centre and Broadgreen areas of Swindon.

As well as breaking into cars, a number of taxis in Swindon have also been targeted and taxi drivers are being urged to remove signs overnight indicating the vehicle is a taxi.

Dozens of taxi and private hire drivers previously spoke to the Adver, frustrated at a lack of police action and the inability to remove plates identifying their vehicles as taxis.

Wiltshire Police has now issued an official warning to residents to remain vigilant and follow advice.

“While we are pursuing a number of leads, we’d like to remind people of the importance of ensuring the security of your vehicle and the importance of removing all valuables from your vehicles,” said a spokesperson for Wiltshire Police.

“Nothing which could make your vehicle a target should be left on display, including things like coats, bags and boxes.

“You may be aware that there is nothing valuable in them but a potential thief will not be.”

“We are also aware that a number of taxis have been targeted in the local area,” the spokesperson added.

“We would recommend that anything on taxis which identifies it as a taxi should be removed overnight, if possible, to make it less of a target.”

Sgt Davidson of the Swindon Central South neighbourhood team added: “We are aware that these break-ins are causing concern in our communities at present and please rest assured that we are pursuing a number of leads to locate and arrest the offenders.

“Vehicle security is of paramount importance and thefts from motor vehicles often take place when vehicles have been left unlocked or valuables have been left on display.

“I would urge all vehicle owners to please be mindful of what you’re leaving in your car and whether it could make your vehicle a target.

“Please remove all valuables from your vehicle when leaving it unattended, including what’s in the glove box as we find that’s often what’s being stolen.

“I’d also like to highlight the importance of intelligence and information from our communities. If you see something that could be suspicious then please report it to us.

“You are our eyes and ears on the ground and any piece of information is helpful.”