CRIME is on the increase in the Maelor area of Wrexham South, with criminals targeting caravans, outbuildings, cars and houses.

Inspector Paul Firth is urging local people to be vigilant. He said: 'It is unusual to get this amount of crime in the Maelor area. I would ask everyone to be on their guard and to pass on to us details of anything they consider suspicious or out of the ordinary.

'These criminals are using vehicles and it's possible someone has seen them. I would particularly ask members of the public out at night to be alert, though some of the crimes have occurred during the day.'

Increased police patrols will be targeting the area but community beat manager PC Darren King is also asking for help from the community.

He said: 'We need the extra eyes and ears of everyone in the Maelor. We want whoever is committing these crimes to know that the whole community is against them.

'Please make sure valuables are not left unattended or in cars overnight. Remember to lock doors and windows and don't make it easy for thieves and burglars to steal your belongings.' Anyone with any information is asked to contact Wrexham Police Station on 0845 607 1002 or call CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 in complete confidence.