POLICE are to step up patrols after elderly people are targeted in a spate of burglaries.

North Wales Police will be increasing its presence across Flintshire and Wrexham in a bid to target those involved.

Operation Carreen has been launched after a series of suspicious calls, suspicious vehicles and burglaries across the country.

Sgt Neil Hughes of the South Flintshire policing team said he believes it is a group of people targeting mainly elderly people and empty properties.

He told the Leader: "We have a crime group that we believe are targeting old people or unoccupied dwellings, it's really traumatic for these people.

"We think they have been scouting out the area and travelling around the country doing it. We think they are sending ahead parties to scout out potential properties. Some are making enquiries as to whether anyone is selling, for example caravans, as a rouse to see whether it's a likely property to burgle.

"They are targeting elderly people, living alone. There have been times when the offenders have been disturbed by the victims and albeit there's been no weapons used but it is extremely traumatising for anybody that finds anyone in their house."

Motorists have previously been urged not to leave valuables on display after 19 thefts occurred across Flintshire and Wrexham between October 6 and 11. In most incidents windows were smashed and mobile phones, amongst other items, were stolen.

The operation is currently run by the operational tasking team and proactive officers, Safer Neighbourhood Teams and Patrol Officers will be targeting mainly rural areas which they believe the offenders are taking.

Officers will also be conducting reassurance visits to local residents and ensuring past victims of thefts have target hardening and crime prevention devices and will be handing out 'no hoax callers' posters.

The Sgt said it has worked well the past few days but they will keep pursuing those responsible until they have been caught.

He added: "We are asking everyone not to engage with these people, get the registration numbers, phone police straight away with as best a description as you can and don't allow them into your property."

Anyone with concerns or information can contact police on 101 and say Operation Carreen.