WILTSHIRE POLICE are appealing for witnesses following the theft of a high-performance car from Purton.

A black BMW M340i was stolen from a property in Pavenhill in Purton between 10.30pm on Wednesday, November 20 and 2.30am on Thursday, November 21.

A grey BMW X5 was also stolen from a property in Kingston Road in Shalbourne near Marlborough sometime between midnight and 8.30am on Saturday, November 23.

Both incidents involved properties being broken into and the car keys taken.

They follow thefts from Luckington, Swindon, Highworth and Chilton Foliat.

If you have information that could help with Wiltshire Police’s enquiry, contact the force through 101 and quote reference number 54240137423.

You can also contact Wiltshire Police via wiltshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime

Alternatively, you can leave information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said the force would encourage car-owners to consider taking the below precautions to ensure their vehicles are kept safe:

  • Keys - Keep the keys safe by hiding them out of sight when at home and away from your front door. It’s not uncommon for car keys to be stolen from inside your home by thieves fishing for them with a stick and hook through the letterbox

  • Parking - If you have a second vehicle, consider parking it behind your more expensive vehicle to protect it

  • In-car security - Additional physical security inside the car can help to prevent your vehicle being driven away even if a thief gains entry, such as steering locks, pedal boxes and gearstick locks

  • Lighting - Motion lighting outside of your property can be a deterrent to possible thieves

  • Tracker - Consider fitting a tracker in a hidden location on the vehicle to increase the chance of recovering the vehicle if it is stolen

For more advice, visit wiltshire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/preventing-car-vehicle-theft