POLICE are investigating reports of 15 separate Wrexham burglaries.

Cash, laptops and cars were among the items taken during a spate of reported incidents across the county during the last week.

Police have said thieves have struck at properties often by smashing the glass back door or patio doors, or by forcing windows to gain entry.

Once inside they make untidy searches of rooms stealing various items - in some cases even cars after the keys were taken from the house.

To illustrate the scale of the incidents, police have revealed they are investigating break-ins at addresses in the following areas:

  • East Avenue
  • Barons Road
  • Cunliffe Street
  • Ffordd Llewellyn
  • Goodwick Road
  • Ruabon Road
  • Balmoral Road
  • Carlton Villas
  • St Giles Crescent
  • Long Lane in Pentre Broughton
  • Moss Valley in New Broughton
  • First Avenue, Lakefield Court and Wheatsheaf Lane in Gwersyllt
  • Pont Adam in Ruabon

Wrexham Chief Inspector Mark Williams said: “In the last year we have actually seen a significant reduction in burglaries across the county and this recent spate appears to be linked to a local group of offenders.

“The distress and damage caused by these criminals is totally unacceptable and I’d like to reassure the public that we have a team dedicated to finding these offenders and bringing them to justice.

“One of the common themes in these crimes is the brazen way that windows and doors are smashed to gain entry, so I am appealing to residents for information and importantly to report if they hear or see any suspicious activity or suspicious vehicles.

“Please check on elderly and vulnerable neighbours and do not to leave your valuables and car keys in places that are easy for thieves to find.

“Call us on 101 to report suspicious behaviour and 999 if you see a crime in action.”

North Wales Police is appealing for people to be vigilant, especially in the build up to Christmas and during the twilight hours when the criminals use the cover of darkness on the assumption that the occupants have not returned from work or may be out shopping, or on the school run.

Residents are being urged to remember to lock doors and windows, set their burglar alarm if they have one and leave lights on.