POLICE have warned shed owners to be extra careful to keep them locked and secure following a spate of break-ins in a Worcestershire village.

A number of residents in High Green, between Worcester and Strensham, have reported break-ins at their sheds, outbuildings and workshops recently.

Police have issued a series of tips to deter thieves, including using a stout, heavy padlock and heavy-duty hasp as well as secure door fittings, locking ladders inside garages or sheds and securing tools and equipment inside lockable steel boxes or anchor posts fitted to the floor.

Tools and machinery should also be marked with a postcode or forensic chemical such as SmartWater while wheelie bins should be secured to the ground to stop intruders being able to move them and use them to climb onto roofs. Clutch head, also known as anti-tamper or coffin, screws can also be used in external hinges while locks and bars can be fitted to windows.

Owners are also advised to make sure external doors are solid enough that they cannot be kicked in. Shed alarms, available from any DIY shop, should also be fitted.

Any break-ins or information about crimes can be reported to police on 101.

Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

In an emergency always dial 999.