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.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here