Bungling thieves broke into a hotel in Chippenham at the weekend and stole seven TVs but left behind the remotes which have to be used to work them.

The burglars broke into The Old House hotel in Burton overnight on Sunday and stole the 37" black Samsung TVs complete with Ipod docks.

But the thieves did not realise that the televisions are linked to the hotel system and will not work without the remote controls - which were left behind.

Sergeant Mark Gale of Chippenham Police said: "These TVs are linked specifically to the hotel info system and the remote controls for the TV were not taken.

"So if you are offered a TV without a remote beware, you could be buying stolen property and may be arrested for handling stolen goods.

"If you are offered one of these TVs for sale or can help in identifying the thieves, please contact PC Claire Boddie at Chippenham police station on 0845 408 7000."