WILTSHIRE Police is urging all homeowners to secure their sheds and garages after a rise in the number of burglaries in Swindon.

The rise in non-dwelling burglaries has occurred primarily in the Swindon East sector. Officers have increased patrols but communities are asked to help in trying to curb this issue.

A police spokesman said: “In relation to up and over garage doors, the offenders are simply propping open garage and shed doors as they are not usually secured as well as they should be. In addition to the normal, central lock on a garage, homeowners should consider installing two bolts to the bottom of the garage door and securing these to the wall of the building.”

For advice people can visit www.wiltshire.police.uk.