We are urging people to particularly vigilant to burglaries as the warm weather arrives. During the summer months, doors and windows are often left open, making homes an easy target for thieves.

There are some simple but effective ways that you can protect your property:

Keep front, patio and back doors closed and locked when you are elsewhere in the house or the garden.
Keep garden gates locked when you are away from the property.
Ensure that windows and external doors on the ground floor are locked at night, and all doors and windows are locked when you are out of the house. Even a small window could provide a burglar with an opportunity to reach through and open a larger window to gain access.
Remember to close downstairs windows when leaving a room, to deter the opportunist thief.
Find out about property marking schemes such as Smartwater If an item is marked it will be much harder for a thief to sell on. Also, if recovered, stolen items can then be returned to their rightful owner.
Look out for your neighbours' property if they are away for a few days.
Joining your local Neighbourhood Watch Scheme is good way to meet those living on your street. Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators help to keep the local groups informed of criminal activity in the community, pass on crime prevention advice and help resolve local issues. Local members are encouraged to keep an eye on what's going and pass on details of suspicious activity.

We are currently experiencing a sharp rise in the number of reported thefts from water utility premises such as sewage treatment works, pumping stations and reservoirs across Shropshire. So far most of the targeted premises have some form of building development taking place and items including machinery, generators and fuel are being taken. The majority of sites are located in isolated, rural areas.

Should you see any suspicious activity taking place in or around such locations please contact police, if you witness, or suspect a crime is taking place please call using the 999 service. Due to the isolated locations, if you can, please obtain a what3words reference as this will assist attending police units. Also if you have any information regarding these crimes please contact police, preferably using the online reporting facility on the West Mercia Police website.

Alternatively you can pass information via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.