A gang of criminals singled out Marlow as a target for a crime wave which saw several month’s worth of crime in a few days, police have told the Free Press.

A series of crimes early this month saw several businesses targeted in late-night burglaries, including a smash-and-grab at Waitrose and a raid on champagne firm Laurent Perrier on January 6.

Houses in neighbouring streets around Station Road were also targeted, with the flurry of crimes pointing towards an organised crime gang, according to Marlow officer.

Sergeant Robin Hughes said: "There was a spate over that short period. We had about two or three months’ worth of crime over those few days.

"Every indication is that it was people from a long way out of the area on a crime spree, if you will.

"And the fact that it hit us so hard is testament that we normally have very low crime levels. We are linking them all to the same crime gang who were in the area."

Police have stepped up patrols following the spate to reassure residents and businesspeople, who raised fears last week over the unusually high level of town centre crime in January.

Extra visits include high visibility reassurance calls to banks in the town centre.

However, the failed attempted on the branch is not being linked to the crimes believed to be carried out by an organised gang, with police this week describing the attempt as "pretty amateur".

Sgt Hughes said: "We have extended out visible presence to the banks. The staff see us coming in and out and on specific days.

"It reassures the customers and reassures that banks when the cash is being delivered, the transfer of cash from vans. Visibility is the key.”

Marlow’s top policeman Inspector Scott Messenger has reassured residents and businesses that spates like this are rare, but has urged the community to stay vigilant and report any bizarre activity.

He said: "There is no reason for anyone to be worried but we would always encourage extra vigilance.

"If anyone sees anything they are not happy about or that looks suspicious then please do call it in, however mundane it seems to be.

"Even if it is a suspicious vehicle driving up and down a couple of times. Call us because we will respond."