Police warn Melton residents to protect themselves against spring burglars

A number of crime prevention initiatives will be taking place across Leicestershire and Rutland where officers and volunteers will be giving advice to the public and allotment holders on how to secure their property.

Officers will also be working with local garden centres and DIY stores to promote security, asking them to hand out leaflets on securing items that have been bought.

A Leicestershire Police spokesman said: “Crime analysis shows a seasonal increase in shed and garage break-ins between March and May as the nicer weather prompts people to start gardening, DIY and getting their bikes out. There’s also a greater demand for tools and garden equipment, fuelling an increase in thefts.

“Garden sheds are targeted by burglars because they’re often overlooked when it comes to security. The value of contents, such as garden mowers, strimmers and bicycles, even motorbikes, can add up to many hundreds of pounds.”

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Cure added: “We’d like to remind residents to secure their sheds, garages and outbuildings. These are often opportunist crimes so it’s really worth investing a bit of money in strong good quality padlocks and hinges or fitting a shed alarm and making sure people can’t see what’s inside.”