Warning after spike in burglaries of sheds and garages in Leeds

There were seven burglaries overnight between Sunday, August 2 and Monday, August 3 in the Gledhow area.

There were five overnight between Monday, August 3 and Tuesday, August 4 in Manston.

West Yorkshire Police said outbuildings such as sheds and garages have been targeted.

Items such as bikes and power tools have been stolen.

Officers are encouraging people to make sure their sheds and garages are locked after the recent increase in burglaries.

Detective Inspector Vicky Vessey of Leeds CID, said: "We have seen a small spike in these two areas but our advice would remain the same for anyone.

"Simply by keeping outbuildings secure – for example with good quality locks – you can greatly reduce your chances of being a victim.

"A secure door with a good lock can make all the difference.”

Advice to prevent burglaries in sheds and garages:

- Look to place a shed door so it is facing your house and not too close to a perimeter wall or gate

- Consider keeping particularly valuable items in a strong lockable box or cage

- Wrap a strong chain around and through the handles of garden tools, lawn mowers, bicycles etc and secure the chain to the wall using a padlock or a ground anchor fixed to the base of the shed.

- Consider integrating your shed and / or garage into your home alarm system.

- If you are buying padlocks and chains look to buy products that are Sold Secure tested (www.soldsecure.com/) or Secured by Design (SBD) (www.securedbydesign.com/) approved.

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Thank you

Laura Collins