POLICE are urging motorists not to leave any valuable items on display in their vehicles after a spate of thefts across Wrexham and Flintshire

At least 19 cars and vans were broken into in the two counties between October 6 and October 11. In most incidents windows were smashed and mobile phones were stolen as well as tools and other valuables.

Thieves struck in the Bryn Offa, Hightown and Caia Park areas of Wrexham town and Gresford, Rhos and Brymbo in surrounding villages.

In Flintshire, thieves targeted vehicles in Ewloe and Penyfordd.

This follows South Flintshire Police Team's appeal to tradesman on Wednesday to take a picture and make a note of serial numbers on high value tools, and not to leave them in vans overnight if possible.

Ali Sharp, Eastern Community Safety Sergeant, said: ''It is so easy not to become a victim of this type of crime. Don’t leave phones or other 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 these areas, but please don’t make it easy for the thieves, remove your handbags, wallets, phones, CDs and tools and lock your vehicle.''

If you see people acting suspiciously around vehicles or residential addresses call the police on 101 or use the live webchat https://www.north-wales.police.uk/contact/live-chat-support