Residents in Upper Stratton have reacted with shock after news that a robbery victim has died.

The man in his 50s was said to have “very serious injuries” following the alleged robbery in Meadowcroft on January 27.

He was found in the early hours of the following morning on Beechcroft Road, and remained in hospital until his death on February 7 (Monday).

The news came as a surprise to the community, who said it was on the whole a quiet area.

However, one resident of six years said that he had noticed an increase in “security incidents” since the end of the most recent lockdown last summer.

Mr Bosman told the Adver: “I haven’t heard about it at all.

“We have had people looking at the driveway.

"It feels like things have changed a bit for the worse in security.”

He said how a man had got into his car, parked on the driveway, last month, and he was fortunate as they were awake at the time and saw the headlights turn on.

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Mr Bosman said that burglaries and other thefts are not given a high enough priority by police.

“The police see it as a low-touch crime. We didn’t call the police about the car break-in.

“It is a real concern and it makes me wonder why I am paying the levies and taxes for.

“How bad must it get before they do anything.”

Meanwhile, a 72-year-old woman who lives on Beechcroft Road, who wished to remain anonymous, spoke about how her house was burgled seven years ago.

The perpetrator, who was never caught, stole family heirlooms.

She said: “I am not shocked because you sort of accept it is life. There are other parts of Swindon that are much more prone to being robbed.”

Meanwhile, Matt Jepson, who has lived on Beechcroft Road for two years, said that a reporter knocking on the door was the first he had heard about it.

“We have not heard that. Months ago police came knocking on the door because somebody got stabbed.

“We have not had any issues here. We hear about little bits and pieces here but everywhere has its ups and downs.”

Meanwhile, Rob Petrie, a resident of 17 years, said that he didn’t know about the robbery. But the 77-year-old added: “I have a feeling the daughter might have said there are police cars down there.”

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Mr Dicks, who has lived on Beechcroft Road since 1969, added: “I saw that. We had the police knock on our door and looking at the Ring doorbell.”

He described the area as “very quiet”. “Even the pub gives us no trouble.”

Meanwhile, a resident of Meadowcroft for the last thirty years added: “It is terrible.

“I feel for the family most definitely.

“We have got three main school routes so it is very unusual that is for sure.”

Last week, police charged a 24-year-old man with robbery and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Paul Tony Warren, of Victoria Road, Old Town, appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (February 3) where he was remanded in custody pending his appearance at the Crown Court.

He will appear there on March 4.