Masked pair cover doorbell camera and try car doors on Cippenham road

Two people in hoods and face coverings were filmed going up to two homes on Eltham Avenue in Cippenham, Slough, in the early hours of Thursday 15 October. At one house, one of them appears to cover the doorbell camera.

Footage shared with UB1UB2 shows the pair walking up to the first house just after 2am. The camera's timestamp reads about 2.04am. One of them goes straight to the doorbell and puts a hand over the lens.

Less than half an hour later, cameras at a second house further along the same road pick up the pair again. They appear to watch the driveway from by the fence. Then one of them walks down the drive and tries the doors of a parked car.

What residents say

The resident who shared the footage said the pair tried to break into their home. They also said cars were stolen in the area that night.

Thames Valley Police has not publicly confirmed any details. It has not said whether the incidents have been reported, whether any vehicles were taken or whether anyone has been arrested. Police have been approached for comment.

Eltham Avenue is a residential road in Cippenham, on the western side of Slough. Most of the homes there have off-street parking on their driveways.

Protecting cars on driveways

Thames Valley Police and the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner have both warned drivers about vehicle crime, including keyless car theft. In a keyless theft, criminals use electronic equipment to pick up the signal from a key fob inside the house. They then use it to unlock and start the car.

Common advice includes keeping keyless fobs in a signal-blocking pouch or metal tin, away from the front door and windows. Drivers are also advised to switch off the fob's keyless function where the car allows it, and to fit physical security such as a steering wheel lock.

Other advice is to always check the car is locked, never leave valuables on show, and light the driveway with motion-activated lighting. Crime prevention advisers say vehicle thefts tend to peak late at night and in the early hours.

People whose doorbell or CCTV cameras recorded anything unusual on Eltham Avenue or nearby roads in the early hours of 15 October may be able to help police. Residents are encouraged to keep that footage.

How to report information

Anyone with information can contact Thames Valley Police on 101 or report online through the force's website. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress or someone is in danger.

Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.