Barnet Police have revealed shop burglaries have increased by 25 per cent compared to the same time last year.

Newsagents are one of the prime targets, usually attacked between 7pm and 7am by forcing shutters and smashing glass panels in the front doors.

Once inside the premises, police say burglars steal cigarettes and money from the tills.

Shops in Regents Park Road, Finchley; Cricklewood Broadway, Cricklewood; Brent Street, Hendon and Rushgrove Parade, Colindale, have all been targetted in the last week.

Detective Inspector Paul Anstee has issued the following advice:

If you do not have a shutter you should ensure you empty the shop tills before closing and place a sign on your door which makes it clear they are empty.

If you have a shop shutter then ensure the padlock is not 'open shackle' as these can be opened with bolt cutters.

Contact crime prevention officers at Colindale for more information and to get a whole range of business security advice on 020 8733 5092.