Police say cars in the Taunton and Bridgwater area have been targeted but say it is a "total mystery" as to why the plates have been stolen.

Detectives say the thefts appear to be concentrated on supermarket, college and school car parks with plates unscrewed from the front and rear.

Drivers are being urged to secure their plates with tamperproof screws.

Detective chief inspector Martyn Triggol, said: "If it is young people who think it might be a joke to steal the plates, we would remind them that it is a serious offence which could result in a criminal record that might impact on them for the rest of their lives.