SLEEPING burglars, toilet roll theft and lion pee were among the unusual topics that came up during a recent live web chat by Thames Valley Police.

The force hosted the online forum on Thursday to answer questions and share advice about how to reduce the risk of burglaries in the county, which have seen a three per cent spike across the Thames Valley in the past 12 months.

The panel included Sgt Wendy Fellows, retired Det Sgt Jim Forrest, DC Simon Travis and DC Ashley Ruane.

They gave advice on ways to deter thieves, which included investing in motion lights and timed lights, as well as CCTV.

An unusual suggestions came from a member of the public who asked if sprinkling lion pee in their garden may act as a deterrent for thieves.

Police did not endorse the method stating lion pee was ‘very expensive and difficult to extract’ and suggested some of the other security measures already highlighted would be better.

Officers also answered questions about the most unusual thing they had ever had reported stolen – a 12-pack of toilet roll – and the oddest way a burglar had been caught – falling asleep mid-theft.

Concerns were expressed that police would not respond to burglaries due to funding cuts.

The team replied: “We treat all burglaries as a high priority. Due to the impact on victims and the value of property from the offences, whether monetary or sentimental, it is something we take very seriously.”

They added an officer would always come out to take details but how quickly they did would depend on how the job was "graded against what else is happening in the area".