A POLICE chief has urged residents to take measures to protect against falling victim to 'twilight' burglaries.

Wrexham town centre inspector Vic Powell says the start of autumn often sees opportunistic thieves strike with the early evening's still light, but darkness drawing in earlier and earlier.

His advice includes timing when your lights come on at home, and keeping an eye on vulnerable neighbours.

Insp Powell said: "Nights are drawing in and I would urge people to be on their guard against twilight burglaries.

"Look at getting timers for your lights to come on at home if you are still at work around 6pm, because a property with no lights on when it's going dark can sometimes be a sign no-one is at home.

"The clocks go back soon and a house with no lights on can sometimes to be an advert to opportunistic burglars. It is something I'm quite concerned about, so please be sensible.

"I would also urge people to look out for their neighbours, be aware of who is coming and going from their property at certain times, whether anything is unusual, especially if they are elderly.

"Please keep a check on them.

"Someone hanging around the property before it goes dark might not arouse suspicion because it is still light, which is why these 'twilight' burglaries are more likely to happen at this time of year."

He added: "Community vigilance is very important,

If you have any worries, please speak to a member of your local community team."