Shed burglaries on the up

Officers have been concentrating on residential areas late at night to deter raiders.

They are appealing to residents to ensure sheds and garaged are secure and equipment inside is postcode marked.

High value power and garden tools, including lawnmowers have been stolen in recent break-ins.

Police inspector Tracy Ryan, said: "We are gathering information and are working closely with our neighbouring policing areas to investigate incidents and disrupt offenders."

"We have also worked with our response officers, Special Constabulary colleagues and specialist teams to conduct patrols late evening and overnight to address

any suspicious activity involving people and vehicles."

Officers also want householders to mark items with their postcodes to make them harder to sell on, invest in better quality locks and consider fitting a shed alarm.