POLICE have welcomed the jailing for two-and-a-half years of a man responsible for a series of burglaries in Swindon and Marlborough.

Gary Stephen Turner, 30, from Corporation Street, Swindon, appeared before Swindon Crown Court last week charged with two counts of burglary.

He pleaded guilty and was jailed for two-and-a-half years. He asked for a further four offences relating to burglary and theft to be taken into consideration.

The first burglary took place at a house in Clifton Street, Swindon on March 3 between 4am and 6.30am.

Turner forced open a window in the early hours of the morning, made a search of the premises and he then stole a laptop computer, a handbag, a blu-ray DVD player, a stereo plus a television.

The second burglary took place the following day between 6am and 7am at a house in Albion Street, Swindon.

Turner once again entered the property by forcing open a downstairs window. He then searched the ground floor and left the premises via the window taking with him a debit card, a safe, a quantity of prescription drugs and £100 cash.

The four remaining incidents which were taken into consideration all relate to offences of burglary and theft in February and March of this year.

Three of the incidents occurred in Swindon, while the remaining one took place in Marlborough.

PC Alan Millward said: “I hope the sentencing of Gary Turner sends a clear message that as a force we investigate all reports of theft and burglary thoroughly and look to take all the actions we can to apprehend offenders and bring them before the courts.

“However, our role is also to provide the community with advice on home security. In particular householders should ensure that all their doors and windows are locked when they go out, even if they are just in their garden.

“You can also reduce your chances of becoming a victim of such a crime by ensuring you have good lighting around your property, joining your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme, not keeping large amounts of cash at home and not leaving valuable items on display.”

For further information on home security contact your local crime prevention officers on 0845 408 7000 or visit the Home Office website www.homeoffice.gov.uk.