Rocks have been placed at one of the entrances to Seven Fields after stolen cars were dumped at the nature reserve.

The abandoned vehicles forced Central Swindon North Parish Council to take action, with three sarsen stones stopping anyone looking to drive onto the site in Penhill.

Parish clerk Andy Reeves said: “There were a couple of car thefts in quick succession and they were both abandoned on Seven Fields and there was a lot of concern from residents, It invoked memories of another time when that kind of thing was slightly more prevalent. 

“We’d hoped we’d seen the last of that kind of behaviour.

“From a parish council’s perspective we have to work with the police in supporting them and make sure the space is secure to make sure this sort of thing doesn’t happen and that Seven Fields doesn’t get a reputation for being somewhere where stolen vehicles can be taken.

Inspector Carly Nesbitt said the public should be vigilant.

She added: “We are aware of some crime related incidents in the Penhill and Seven Fields area involving vehicles. 

“We are working in partnership with the parish council to introduce measures to reduce these types of crimes. 

“However, we need the public’s eyes and ears too. 

“The people living and working in this community are vital in helping us tackle these issues and I would encourage anyone who has any information to contact us on 101, through our website or to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can report anonymously.”