POLICE have warned people to take care as there has been an increase in the number of thefts from garages and garden sheds following the improvement in the weather.

In the vast majority of cases the property was not securely locked. Evidence shows the thieves are walking through streets and alleyways at night trying doors and looking for security weaknesses. There have been incidents of break-ins and attempted break-ins in Taw Hill, Redhouse, St Andrews Ridge and Haydon End recently.

As well as locking up, homeowners should consider additional security for expensive bicycles, garden machinery and other equipment stored in sheds and garages.

North Swindon Inspector Charlie Ducker said: “We recently returned an expensive bicycle to its owner after it was recovered near to where it was stolen.

“We were able to do this because it had a secure bicycle lock in place. The thief clearly couldn’t manage carrying it away so dumped it nearby.

“But I really cannot stress enough how important it is to keep your doors locked in the first place.

“It is a simple step but very effective.”