A BUSINESS in Ludlow was victim of a burglary that has sparked a county wide alert.

West Mercia Police are warning people to make sure they keep their personal belongings safe following a series of distraction thefts in south Shropshire.

The incidents, which started in Shifnal, Shropshire, involved two young men in their 20s and casually dressed.

They entered business premises including estate agencies and hairdressers and, while one of them spoke to a member of staff, the other stole any unattended items such as mobile phones.

There were also incidents including a burglary in Ludlow.

Police are urging staff in business premises and members of the public to take extra care in keeping personal possessions out of view and safe while at work or going about their business in shops and offices.

Anyone who sees any suspicious behaviour or has any information relating to distraction thefts in Shropshire and Herefordshire is asked to contact West Mercia Police on the non emergency number 101.

Alternatively information can be passed on anonymously by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or completing its online form by logging on to www.crimestoppers-uk.org.