CCTV: Would-be burglar concerns residents near Oswestry
A resident's CCTV camera captured a complete stranger wandering around a village, trying gates to properties and car handles.
The man who lives in the Baytree Avenue area of St Martins, near Oswestry, posted an image of the hooded person on social networking site Facebook to warn neighbours.
But his post was shared more than 600 times in just a few hours by concerned locals.
The resident also handed over the CCTV to West Mercia Police, which is now investigating.
He was reviewing the CCTV footage at his home when he noticed a man in an alleyway next to his property.
"I saw him on our CCTV at half past midnight on Tuesday, first trying our car handles then the doors of our house and conservatory.
"He then leaves our property and an hour later I see him walking past again out of the estate, meaning he may have tried numerous houses in Baytree Avenue/Baytree Close. He kept his head down at all times and unlocked our gate without using his bare fingers."
The man said people should check their vehicles and their property.
"Be vigilant and ensure you lock everything in the coming days," he added.
He said he was surprised at how quickly his Facebook post had been shared.
"Its incredible how many likes and shares it has had – over 600 in the space of a few hours," he added.
"A few people that live nearby have since said they noticed gates open in their back garden and one lady checked her conservatory and found her handbag and baby bag had been stolen."
West Mercia Police confirmed the CCTV had been handed in and they are now looking at it.
The force urged householders to ensure vehicles, homes and outbuildings are securely locked.
