Police in Oswestry are urging residents to do their part in preventing crimes.

The town has seen a spate of shed and van break-ins in recent months and now the Safer Neighbourhoods Team is offering advice on how residents can attempt to protect their belongings.

A spokesperson for the SNT said: "Oswestry has seen a slight increase in vehicle and shed breaks lately.

"We will be offering help and support to those affected.

"Items that are most frequently stolen and items of high value and those items that can be carried or pedalled away for ease of escape."

The items include mobile phones, satellite navigation systems, money, sunglasses and media storage devices from cars, while in sheds items most at risk include bikes, power tools, chainsaws and gardening equipment.

The spokesperson continued: "We find that is the majority of cases reported that the vehicle or shed has been left insecure.

"Our first bit of advice is to lock it up. Most insurance companies will not insure tools left in your van, so if stolen you will have no claim."

Other advice includes removing tools from vehicles, opening your glove box to show nothing of value is inside, parking under a street light and installing CCTV that covers your vehicle, while for sheds they suggest using a lock that is fit for purpose, fitting bars to windows and doors, anchoring bikes and tools, and using lighting, an alarm and CCTV.