Man arrested and extra police patrols after vehicles and elderly residents targeted by thieves

A man has been arrested as part of an ongoing police operation targeting car thieves and burglaries over the winter months.

At the start of October North Wales Police received an increase in reports of vehicle crimes and homes being targeted by burglars across Wrexham and Flintshire

The burglaries saw keys to high powered performance vehicles being stolen and the cars taken.

However, a small number of offences saw elderly residents targeted while at home – with the crimes taking place in the early evening.

Police say a response plan was swiftly put in place, which has involved high visibility patrols and stop checking suspicious vehicles.

As a result there has been a drop in these offences in and no recent reports of burglaries of elderly residents’ properties.

The police operation has also resulted in the arrest of one man, the seizure of two cars and the recovery of stolen property.

Chief Inspector Jon Bowcott said” “I joined North Wales Police in order to help people, prevent and detect crime and protect vulnerable people in our society.

“Neither I nor my officers will tolerate the type of offences seen earlier this month. I remain greatly concerned about the impact they have and will continue to have on the victims, particularly the elderly.

“To combat the offending pattern we have significantly increased patrols and stop checks on suspicious vehicles and individuals.

“The operation, which will continue, involves local officers, colleagues from roads policing, armed alliance and alliance dog handlers who have the specialist skills to deal with the most serious criminals.

“I want to stress that the armed officers are acting in their capacity as highly trained drivers and pro-active officers and not in a firearms role. Thankfully none of the offences we saw at the start of the month involved the criminal use of firearms.

“Our investigation into these offences continues so we can arrest the criminals responsible and put them before the courts.

“I would like to thank Flintshire and Wrexham County Councils for assisting us to identify potential victims, so we can conduct pro-active patrols and reassurance visits.”

Members of the public are being urged to remain vigilant – particularly in areas where there is a high concentration of elderly residents- and to report anything suspicious especially around twilight when these offenders often target the vulnerable.

You can contact North Wales Police via its online webchat or call 999 in an emergency.