A WARNING has been issued by police, urging people in Worcester to secure their sheds and to be vigilant, after a spate of 18 burglaries took place in just one night.

On Sunday, March 4, some 18 sheds on Lansdowne Road, Worcester, were broken into overnight.

Detective Inspector David Knight said: "It is that time of year that those types of items are easily sold on and it is time for people to review their safety arrangements and consider other precautions."

During this time of year, police expect to see an increase in this type of offence as gardening equipment is in high demand. Most items will not be security marked so they are easy for the thieves to steal.

Tips to protect your property include: installing well positioned external lights, fit a closed shackle padlock to the door, fit grilles or mesh to the windows and invest in shed alarm.

For extra security measures, a 'garage defender' is one of the best ways to help prevent becoming a repeat victim, these can be brought online or from locksmiths.

Valuables should also be marked with your postcode or one of the many forensic marking kits that are available, such as Smartwater.

Large items such as bicycles should be chained together and ladders should be locked to a secure fixture in the shed or garage so they cannot be used to reach top floor windows.

If anyone wishes to report any suspicious behaviour from individuals in the area or unfamiliar vehicles, please call West Mercia Police 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Further information on protecting property can be found at westmercia.police.uk.