The Arson Reduction Team is backing North Wales Police's 'Car Key Crime' campaign with a series of visits by local firefighters to supermarkets in the Wrexham area.

This is in a bid to cut the number of stolen and abandoned vehicles set alight in the county.

Firefighters visited Morrisons supermaket today to hand out leaflets and advice and will be visiting venues across the town over the next week.

Kevin Jones, Arson Reduction Manager explains: "Many stolen vehicles are set alight after use to destroy evidence. Firefighters can be tied up for extended periods of time dealing with these deliberate fires, putting their lives and the lives of local residents in danger.

"Partnership working for us is an extremely important part of what we do - and this is why firefighters are working in partnership with North Wales Police to tackle car burglary which can often result in abandoned vehicles being set alight.

"Over recent years car manufacturers have made vehicle security a priority with more and more sophisticated systems in place to stop thieves being able to take the car. As a result criminals have resorted to more elaborate ways of stealing vehicles - such as car key crime.

"It is very important that vehicle owners are aware of this and take extra precautions to limit becoming a victim of car key burglary. There are a number of things you can do to cut the risk  - such as parking your vehicle in a secure garage overnight, locking the front door behind you after you enter the house and never leaving your car keys near a door or window.