A SPATE of break-ins and thefts across Stevenage has prompted police to urge people to ensure their gardens, sheds and outbuildings are secure.

The crimes have predominantly seen damage caused to locks and bikes being stolen, but also include thefts of gardening equipment and power tools.

Reported incidents include a Flymo hot air blower being stolen from a shed in Lonsdale Road between 11pm on Monday, April 9, and 8am on Tuesday, April 10, and a theft of a man’s black and red mountain bike which was taken from the front garden of a property in Boxberry Close between 10.30pm on Monday, April 9, and 6.15am on Tuesday, April 10.

Other incidents include an unsuccessful attempt to force open the door of a brick built shed in the communal area of a block of flats in Archer Road between 5pm on Monday, April 9, and 11pm on Tuesday, April 10, as well as offenders forcing open the doors of a shed in a garden on the same road between 6am and 10.30am on Tuesday, April 10. Nothing was stolen but damage was caused to the lock.

Police believe that these incidents could be linked. Investigating officer PC Lee Chiveralls said: “I am currently investigating this spate of break-ins and thefts and am appealing to anyone who may have information, or knows who could be responsible, to get in touch.

“To secure your property it’s a good idea to mark bikes with your postcode - using a UV pen if you don’t want to visibly mark the frame - and register it for free on www.immobilise.com

“That way, if you are unlucky enough to have something stolen, police can return it to you if it’s recovered.”

Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to ring the police non-emergency number 101 citing crime reference number E1/12/2228. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.