71078-11A SPATE of thefts in West Swindon during the recent heatwave has prompted the police to tell people to shut their windows.

In the past eight weeks, opportunist thieves have stolen property from 33 homes in Westlea, Toothill, Freshbrook and Shaw by gaining entry through unlocked downstairs windows or doors while the occupants are asleep.

Detective sergeant Ady Wys is heading a squad of 15 officers to track down the culprits.

He said: "We will not rest until we catch whoever is responsible. But the public must realise that thieves are always active, so homes need to be kept secure at all times."

Known as 'creeper thieves', the intruders have been silently escaping with mobile phones, wallets, electrical equipment, jewellery, CDs and DVDs.

The thefts started on June 10 and have escalated during the warm weather, when people are more prone to leave windows open.

West Swindon has been targeted, officers believe, because of the network of footpaths and cycleways which make properties easy to access.

The culprits have even stolen cars parked in driveways after taking keys found in living rooms.

Det Sgt Wys said: "Because doors or windows are being left open, the offenders can get inside without making much noise. This is clearly an accomplished thief or thieves. It takes some front to drive off in the victim's car."

Of the 32 thefts, only two have resulted in the intruder being heard and seen by the victims.

The police are now searching for a suspect who fits their description. He is in his late teens or early 20s, has short white-blonde hair and is around 5ft 10ins tall.

The police helicopter has been deployed and plain clothes operations have been used in a bid to trace the suspect. It is thought he may be part of a group of offenders monitoring the area for theft potential.

A couple in their 50s who live in a bungalow in Shaw fell prey during the early hours of last Wednesday morning. The female victim, who did not wish to be named, said: "It is awful to think someone was creeping around our living room while we were sleeping. The police found face prints on our window panes, so the intruder must have been listening to see if we were there."

Around £500 worth of their property was stolen, including a DVD player, 25 DVDs and CDS, a digital camera, two watches, a CD player and a radio and a mobile phone.

Their Honda Civic was also taken, but recovered by police a few miles away.

Anyone with information should contact the force on 01793 528111.

Victoria Tagg