Businesses in Norwich have been urged to improve their security after a spate of thefts and burglaries at premises in the city.

The warning comes after West Centre Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) over the past few weeks have seen businesses targeted including car dealerships, vehicle dismantlers and garages. Many of the break-ins have taken place overnight.

The majority of the premises have had sheds and portable buildings broken into.

Items such as tools, car batteries, alloy wheels, car stereos and Sat Navs have also been taken from vehicles.

During the same period, Mile Cross, Catton and Fiddlewood SNT have seen several thefts from vehicles where items including catalytic converters and wheels have been stolen.

Inspector Nigel Richards from West Centre SNT said: 'Business premises can deter opportunist thieves by taking simple security measures. '

Inspector Mark Haddow from Mile Cross, Catton and Fiddlewood SNT said: 'We are currently investigating all of the crimes and would like to reassure local companies that we are actively stepping up high visibility patrols in the areas previously targeted.'

Commercial premises are being advised to tighten their security by carrying out a few crime prevention measures:

Regularly review your procedures to ensure that your property is well protected

Ensure that visitors to your premises are monitored

Be on the look out for unusual or suspicious behaviour and contact the police

Encourage your staff to be security minded at work

Establish contact with all neighbouring businesses, stay in contact with the police and stop these criminals in their tracks

Security mark valuable equipment

Don't leave expensive items out on display

Remember to lock all doors and windows when the unit is unoccupied

Consider fitting tracker devices to plant, machinery and other vehicles

Fit a monitored intruder alarm fitted by a reputable installer.

For more crime prevention advice visit www.norfolk.police.uk.

If you have any information regarding crime in your area you can contact your SNT on 0845 456 4567 or alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.