Police in Wrexham are urging motorists not to leave items on display after a spate of thefts from vehicles in the town.

In the latest incidents thieves broke into a van in Acton Gate and smashed the rear window of a car in Brunel Court, Stansty to gain entrance.

Ten other cars parked in Brunel Court had the dew wiped from their windows as the thieves appear to have made an effort to see what was inside.

There have been 12 other car break-ins in Wrexham since the beginning of the month. Areas include Acton, Garden Village, Borras, Hightown and Stansty.

In one incident an expensive handbag containing a substantial amount of money was stolen.

Town Inspector Paul Wycherley said: “It is so easy not to become a victim of this type of crime. Don’t leave items on view in your vehicle. Lock them away or better still, remove them from the vehicle when you park.

“We will be carrying out extra patrols in areas where there has been a spike and our community team is working with Wrexham Council’s community team to visit victims and deliver advice leaflets.

“Please don’t make it easy for the thieves, remove your handbags, wallets, phones, CDs, tools etc and lock your vehicle.”

To report people acting suspiciously around vehicles or residential addresses, call North Wales Police on 101 or visit www.north-wales.police.uk/contact/chat-support.aspx.