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People are urged not give opportunist thieves an early Christmas present by leaving goods on display in their vehicles while they do their Christmas shopping. The warning follows the theft of Star Wars and other toys worth £400 from a van parked outside Toys R Us on the Meole Brace Retail Park in Shrewsbury.

The bags had been left in the back seats of an LDV Sherpa van, which was broken into between about 12.45pm and 1.15pm on Tuesday (NOV 17), while the victims were doing more shopping elsewhere on the park.

“Opportunist thieves can strike at any time of year but in the run up to Christmas, they know there is a high chance of valuable presents being left in vehicles while people go about their Christmas shopping,” a police spokeswoman said.

“Ideally, people should not leave anything in their unattended vehicles if possible and keep their Christmas shopping with them until they return to their car,” a police spokeswoman said.

“But if that is not possible, always lock items securely in the boot and park in a busy, well-lit area. Never leave items on show on seats or in the footwells as this is an open invitation to thieves.”

Police also warned householders not to leave Christmas presents on display in their homes where they can be seen from windows. Store them out of sight and secure until Christmas day.

Anyone with information about Tuesday’s incident or who might be offered Star Wars toys for sale under dubious circumstances is asked to contact police on 0300 333 3000.

Information can also be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.