POLICE are trying to trace three burglars allegedly spotted near Newbury after raiding a property in Chilton Foliat.
A small group of neighbours chased after the three men at about 2pm on Tuesday (April 20), as they jumped into a silver Vauxhall Vectra with a false number plate reading KN51 WBW.
The driver was reported to have deliberately driven towards the witnesses, one of whom managed to smash the rear windscreen as the car sped off towards a local landmark called the triangle.
The vehicle turned right and headed back towards the A338, before heading back to the A4 where it was seen travelling at speed towards Newbury.
It was found abandoned in a field in Halfway, on the A4 between Hungerford and Newbury, just 10 minutes later.
Police are now urging any other witnesses to the incident come forward.
The suspects are described as three white males, the first of which is thought to be aged between 18 to 20 years, 5ft 7in tall, with short ginger hair, slightly chubby and wearing a beetroot-coloured jumper.
The second is described as being in his early 20s, 5ft 9in tall, with short blonde hair. He was wearing blue jeans and a dark-coloured jumper with a black T-shirt underneath.
The third man is described as being about 40-years-old, 5ft 9in tall, of skinny build, with darkish blonde or ginger collar-length hair and was wearing an olive or cream-coloured jacket and jeans.
Dc David Hunt of Wiltshire Police, who is investigating the incident, said: "This highlights the need for the community to keep an eye out for vulnerable neighbours and it is thanks to the vigilance of the witnesses in this case that the police have several leads to follow."
He said that he needed people to tell him of any sightings of the car.
"I also need assistance with sightings of the three men in Halfway, near Newbury, where I suspect that they attended the Halfway Inn.
"The Silver Vectra would have been very noticeable with its rear windscreen smashed and it is highly likely that the vehicle was being driven erratically and possibly at high speeds."
Anyone with information should telephone Dc Hunt on 0845 408 7000.