GANGS of thieves are scouring the countryside around Marlborough and the Pewsey Vale looking for something to steal.

In the last few weeks there has been a spate of break-ins at homes and farms in villages around Marlborough including Ogbourne St George, Aldbourne and Ramsbury, and police are appealing to people to be their eyes and ears.

PC Andy Sexton of Marlborough police has appealed for help in giving early warning that crooks are out and about and looking for crimes to commit. He said if residents saw a strange vehicle or persons acting suspiciously they should let the police know.

He said the thieves travel to the area to see what they can find to steal.

"The greatest way the public can help is by being aware of who is moving about in their locality, either on foot or in a vehicle. They should make a note of suspicious vehicles, the make, the colour and the registration number.

"We don't know whether we are being targeted by a gang out of Bristol or some other city or whether it's the work of thieves based nearer to home. We have been told about vans calling at farms asking if they have any scrap for sale. That's the sort of thing we want the farmers and other people to ring in and tell us about.

"That little bit of information could give the police an early start in catching the real thieves."

Calls can be made to Marlborough police (01672) 512311; to Pewsey during weekdays 9am-1pm on (01672) 562222 or to the police switchboard (01380) 735735.