Windows and doors are being left open, say police

There have been a spate of burglaries in the town in the past two weeks, prompting Dyfed-Powys officers to issue a warning to residents.

Thieves have targeted businesses and private and rented homes, as well as some shops.

Police said it was unclear whether all the burglaries were linked.

Pc Gareth Slaymaker, community safety officer for north Powys, said: "During the last few weeks there have been a number of incidents around Newtown where opportunist thieves have entered various insecure homes and stolen items from inside.

"The thief has found his task that much easier because doors and windows have been left either open or unlocked especially at evening or night time.

People have made it easy for them to steal by leaving their doors and windows unlocked Pc Gareth Slaymaker

"The police believe that the persons responsible are thieves who walk around various housing estates trying doors and windows and find that a number of people have made it easy for them to steal by leaving their doors and windows unlocked."

He added: "Opportunist thieves have also targeted various shops in the town during opening hours.

"There have been incidents where the thieves have entered private areas in the shop and stolen personal items belonging to staff.

"Shops in Newtown have been notified of this problem and are also being asked to be extra vigilant with their building security especially with Burglary prevention in mind."