MONOPOLY sets are a bizarre target of shoplifters in Amersham.

A number of thefts of the popular trading board game have been reported to police by businesses in the town.

Officers reviewing crime figures in Amersham in July and August said that although there were no particular patterns emerging, there was a notable increase in incidents of shoplifting.

Police said food and Monopoly sets were the main targets for thieves.

Many of the thefts from shops took place in the area around Sycamore Road.

The review also noticed an increase in incidents of criminal damage occurring in the Old Town.