Criminals looking to target pubs and social clubs in Wirral have been warned to think again after Merseyside Police launched a crime prevention operation.

The drive aims to reduce burglaries in licensed premises as well as increasing the prospect of catching crooks.

Officers have visited more than 40 public houses, social and sports clubs across the borough giving free "DNA" crime prevention kits which individually identify premises and property so they can be traced back to specific offences.

Acting Sergeant Ted Barr said: “There has been an increase in commercial burglaries at pubs and social clubs in the last six weeks.

"We are installing these DNA systems is to deter offenders and increase our likelihood of catching those that are committing these crimes.

“I would appeal to anyone with information on these crimes to contact the neighbourhood policing team."

Call 0151 777 2234 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.