CALNE police are making a fresh appeal for witnesses after a spate of thefts from village sheds and garages.

The thieves have targeted insecure or poorly protected outhouses in

Cherhill, Compton Bassett and East Tytherton and officers are urging the public in isolated areas to ensure valuables are locked away.

Pc Alfie Ansell said a variety of objects had been stolen from garden sheds in the past two months, including lawnmowers, cement mixers, bicycles and stonecutters.

He suspected the thieves were operating in a gang of at least two and believes the stolen goods are possibly being sold at car boot sales.

"It's easy to sell these sort of items at car boot sales for ready cash," he said.

"Some of the goods that have been stolen are worth £200 or £300, but the thieves can probably sell them for between £50 to £100.

"We are appealing for people living in the villages to keep all their garden equipment under lock and key."

Anyone with information should telephone Pc Ansell at Calne Police Station on (01249) 812106.