Thefts of cooking oil are on the rise, police have warned.

Business owners are being urged to remain vigilant after thefts of cooking and waste oils from business properties saw an increase lately.

West Mercia Police has warned that thieves may pretend to work for 'Environmental Health' to gain access to the oil.

A force spokesperson said: "We would like to inform you that recently there has been an increase in the theft of cooking oil and or waste oil from business properties.

"It is common practice that more than one male will be seen wearing hi-viz bibs/jackets and will try to show you an Environmental Health badge if challenged.

"This badge is not an official Environmental Health badge.

"Often these suspects will also be using a large van to transport the quantity of oil they obtain."

They added: "Please be extra vigilant and challenge any unauthorised, unplanned visitors.

"If you are not expecting anyone, ask questions, check documentation or job sheets that they should have and call the appropriate agency to check."

Any would-be victims are urged to try and take note of any details and report them to the police.

"Keep yourself safe, but if you are able to, try and take down, observe as much detail as possible: descriptions, names, registrations and call the police on 999/101 so that we can investigate further," added the West Mercia spoksperson.