Residents of Rhyl, Prestatyn and Abergele are urged to be cautious of “bogus” house callers.

Police in Denbighshire Coastal and Abergele are are appealing for information on a recent spike in house burglaries believed to be linked by offenders who have, in some cases, posed as tradesman or members of the fire service.

The latest incident took place at about 7pm on Wednesday, January 31 when offenders forced their way into a house on Trevor Road, Prestatyn demanding an elderly occupant show them where valuables are kept.

Safer Neighbourhood Team Sergeant Mark Jones, said: “These are deplorable crimes that have a huge impact on the victims. Fortunately the victim was unharmed but this was clearly a very traumatic incident.”

A number of houses have been broken into in the Prestatyn, Abergele, Rhyl and Rhuddlan between the hours of 4pm and 9pm, with the offenders gaining entry via rear doors and windows or by cold calling with fluorescent jackets.

Sgt Jones added: “I’m aware these will cause a great deal of concern within the community and so at this time we are increasing patrols to reassure the public. It’s also worth reminding householders to be on their guard about ‘bogus callers’ when offenders may pose as officials, such as council workers, police officers and utility workers or pretend to be a person in urgent need of help, in order to gain access to homes.

"My advice is simple - If in doubt, keep them out - particularly if you’re on your own.

"Ask them to make an appointment or come back later when someone else is around. Genuine callers won’t mind.

"If you are suspicious, report the incident to the police. You may help prevent them from burgling someone else.

Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact North Wales Police with the reference RC18012314 via the web live chat at north-wales.police.uk/contact/chat-support.aspx, phoning 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.