A POLICE chief has asked motorists to be patient as his officers continue to hunt suspected burglars.

Inspector Darren Whibberley, of the South Flintshire policing team, confirmed they have been responding to a spate of travelling burglars who are targeting older residents.

North Wales Police is encouraging residents to take action and is reassuring people that local officers are patrolling the area and stopping suspicious vehicles.

He told the Leader: "Audi's and Volkswagen seem to be the preferred choice of vehicle for criminals

"If you are an owner of such a vehicle and do find that you're stopped please be patient with officers as they conduct any searches."

Older people are being targeted due to a range of different factors such as poor health, loneliness and lack of support and Inspector Whibberley said offenders do not care about the impact on their actions.

He confirmed they currently have a policing operation underway to tackle the issue including vehicles proactively patrolling key routes and locations during early evening and late into the night.

The Leader has previously reported incidents across Flintshire and Wrexham where older residents have been targeted and offenders are entering homes by force if they need to.

A North Wales Police spokesman said: "They want cash and jewellery and will ransack a house to find it or force occupants to give up the code to a safe or other secret place.

"They will travel to commit their crimes, often stealing high powered vehicles such as Audi’s or Volkswagen’s to escape. The ordeal can be frightening and the impact long lasting."

The force has issued a range of tips on how residents can keep themselves and their homes safe, including depositing cash and other valuables in safe places.

Security lights, security chains and CCTV can be used to enhance safety and residents are being urged to check on neighbours.

A police spokesman added: "Always ask for identification before letting anyone in to your home. If they don’t have identification, ask them to come back with some, and don’t be fobbed off.

"Be confident to talk to the caller through your door or front window. There is no need to unlock your door, genuine callers will not be offended."

More safety tips can be found on the North Wales Police website and anyone with concerns or information can contact police on 101.

As part of the operation, a vehicle was stopped in Northop on Tuesday night and as a result two men were arrested on suspicion of intent to supply after officers discovered a quantity of suspected Class A drugs.