POLICE have issued a warning to all guests staying in hotels over the new year.

Over the past week, Wiltshire Police has received several reports of thefts from rooms at hotels in the county.

One of these incidents involved two guests at the Littlecote House Hotel, about 20 miles northwest of Andover, having their bank cards and driving licences stolen.

They have then received a phone call from someone claiming to be from their bank.

They advised the victim that there had been fraudulent withdrawals from their account and that they needed their PIN number to progress the investigation further.

Unfortunately, the victims gave their PIN numbers to the caller and minutes later money had been withdrawn from their accounts.

PC Lisa Draper from the Crime Management Unit based at Swindon, said: “Please be vigilant if staying in a hotel and report any suspicious behaviour.

“Also, never give out your PIN number to anyone over the phone or in person.

“Legitimate calls from banks or building societies will never ask for your PIN.

“The only person who should know your PIN number is you.”

Anyone wishing to report a crime can contact Wiltshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.