Police have urged homeowners and tenants in Shropshire to tighten up their security after reporting an increase in burglaries.

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Edwards, head of CID in the county said there had been 180 burglaries or attempted burglaries reported since April.

It compares to 143 reported offences for the same period last year.

Mr Edwards said: “Domestic burglaries remain one of our top priorities.

“We have a dedicated burglary unit of detectives based in Shrewsbury and we have had a number of successes in arresting offenders.”

He welcomed the 18-month prison sentence given to 31-year-old Peter Thomas, who was found guilty at Shrewsbury Crown Court this week for stealing jewellery worth more than £75,000 after breaking into a home in Underdale Road, Shrewsbury.

Mr Edwards said: “We won’t hesitate to put offenders before the courts and the public can help us do this.

“It’s vitally important people contact the police immediately they see anything suspicious.

“If it strikes you as untoward or odd, then it probably is. Follow your instincts and call us – it doesn’t matter if it turns out to be innocent activity.”

He also urged people to tighten up their security.

“A large number of these burglaries have occurred because people have left their homes insecure – either unlocked doors or insecure windows.

“We all need to be security conscious, especially this time of year during the holiday season. An unlocked door or open window can make your property an easy target for those on the lookout for easy pickings.”

Mr Edwards urged people to follow basic security, including closing and locking doors and windows when going out.

He also suggested fitting lockable locks on ground floor windows and deadlocks on all external doors and fitting security lights.

Anyone with details on burglaries is urged to call police on 0300 333 3000, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

By Sue Austin