WIRRAL'S police commander has met with the borough's Asian community after an online petition claimed they have become a target for burglars.

The petition says many Asians in Wirral feel attacked and defenceless in their own homes.

And it calls on Chief Superintendent Jon Martin to provide "appropriate resources to apprehend these dangerous and violent criminals."

A senior police spokesman said a meeting has now taken place and added:"We share their determination to bring people who commit burglaries to justice and that we take all reports of burglaries extremely seriously."

The petition, from Wirral Asian Association, has attracted around 160 signatories including Wirral West Labour MP Margaret Greenwood, who commented: "It is important that Asian people are protected so that they can feel safe in their own homes, and that they can continue to feel welcomed to Wirral."

She told the Liverpool Echo she intends to set up a meeting with the association to hear their views.

The online appeal acknowledges the peninsula has traditionally been "very welcoming of Asians, many of whom hold respected and senior positions within the health service, business and the law."

It continues: "We have always felt safe and secure in our homes - but that has all changed over the past few months.

"There has been a distressing increase in the number of serious 'professional' burglaries committed in Asian households, which are way out of proportion to the number of Asian families in the local population.

"These burglaries have been focused and specific.

"The burglars are primarily interested in the gold and jewellery and alarmingly have also used force in their criminal activities....there appears to be a gang carrying out these burglaries who target Asians and have used the same modus operandi throughout."

Superintendent Richie Davies, from the Wirral Command team, said: “We have been made aware of concerns within the Asian community in Wirral regarding burglaries and Chief Supt John Martin met with members of the community last week.

“We are always grateful when members of the public raise concerns as it gives us the opportunity to address those concerns and reassure the wider community.

“We had a constructive discussion and were able to inform attendees that we share their determination to bring people who commit burglaries to justice and that we take all reports of burglaries extremely seriously.

"I would like to take this opportunity to reassure people across Wirral of our determination to bring offenders responsible for burglary to justice.”