BUSINESSES in the building merchant trade have been urged take security precautions following a pair of high value burglaries in Buckley.

The South Flintshire Neighbourhood Policing Team has launched an appeal following the incidents, which took place at the Spencer Industrial Estate over the last week.

Sgt Emma Prevete said that Grantech Ltd was one of the businesses hit, with offenders entering a secure compound and stealing tools from within vehicles.

"The tools are highly specialised and are used in the Stonemason industry," she said.

"South Flintshire urge anyone who may know any information, or are offered the purchase of these tools, to contact us."

The tools and items stolen include a Gorilla grip seam setter x2 set, Flex polisher, Makita Dremel and Dremel diamond bits, Milwaukee carrying bag, cordless multi tool, cordless grinder, Dewalt cordless drill, Honda generator, Dewalt battery and charger, Milwaukee cordless jigsaw, charger and batteries - among others.

Anyone who has information can call North Wales Police on 101 with reference 21000605226.

The second site hit was Lester’s Fabrication and Cladding in Globe Way.

Sgt Prevete said: "Sometime between August 29 and 31, a high value burglary offence occurred at Lester’s Fabrication and Cladding, Spencer Industrial estate, Buckley.

"Between £120,000 and £140,000 of stock was stolen."

In addition to the stock, a white IVECO lorry was taken and may be on cloned plates or could even remain local, parked up, Sgt Prevete said.

Anyone who has information about this burglary can contact police on 101 with the reference 21000605420.

Sgt Prevete said: "We urge businesses in the building merchant trade to be mindful and ensure you have security measures in place.

"Please report any suspicious behaviour to North Wales Police on 101, or via the online chat."

The call follows a warning from Flintshire South Inspector Iwan Jones in August about a 'dramatic rise' in thefts from construction sites and builders yards.

The Inspector said: "Construction is going up at pace, but the price of building materials has gone up exponentially and the availability of some of those materials is really scarce.

"As such we have seen a dramatic rise in the number of thefts from builders yards and construction sites across Flintshire.

"There have been a number across North Wales as well."

The North Wales Police website offers a wide range of general crime prevention advice for businesses looking to deter burglars and trespassers.