POLICE are urging residents to be on their guard after a spate of incidents across Wrexham and Flintshire.

According to North Wales Police, thieves have been targeting elderly and vulnerable people in their own homes in the late afternoon and early evening, as the sun is beginning to set earlier.

DCI Gary Kelly said: “At this time of year we see a rise in this type of crime where thieves turn up on the doorstep offering to carry out maintenance and repair work often claiming to be from the council or a utility company to gain access to a home and steal money and property.

They will at times use this visit to familiarise themselves with the property only to return and commit a burglary of the premises at a later date.

“We have had incidents across the county in Bangor-on- Dee, Pentre Broughton as well as in Flintshire in areas of Connah's Quay and Deeside.

“I would ask people to report suspicious behaviour, to advise elderly relatives and friends and to keep an eye out for vulnerable neighbours as these thieves are using the twilight hours to target addresses.

“Please report any suspicious vans, cars or individuals in your vicinity. I would also encourage people to visit the North Wales Police website which offers valuable information and advice on how to keep properties and valuables secure."

Visit www.north-wales.police.uk/advice-and-support/safer-homes/cold-callers-if-in-doubt-keep-them-out

If you know of someone who is committing burglary or is involved in selling stolen goods, please contact North Wales Police on 101 or www.north-wales.police.uk/contact/live-chat-support.