A rise in shed and garage break-ins is a ‘huge issue’, according to Stevenage’s top police officer.

Chief Insp Richard Harbon is urging the public to be on their guard and take precautions after a spate of thefts in the town.

“Shed and garage break-ins now account for a high percentage of recorded crime in Stevenage,” said Mr Harbon.

“This is a huge issue for us and one of the biggest challenges we face is that that many residents simply don’t take enough precautions to help prevent this type of crime.

“Although it may appear minor, this kind of low level theft is usually linked to more serious crime, such as drugs offences. Many opportunist thieves take advantage of garage and shed insecurities to steal any items they can easily sell on for cash, such as bikes and garden equipment.

“I am appealing once again for local residents to play their part in keeping Stevenage a safe place to live and work. If you own a garage or a shed, please take a bit of time to secure your property and the items stored within it.

“A huge number of garages in the town are not directly attached to a property and are in stand lone blocks, which are not visited regularly making them easy targets.”

To report an incident call the Stevenage Safer Neighbourhood Team on 101 or visit www.herts.police.uk for security advice.