Spate of garage and shed burglaries in Telford
Police in Telford are urging householders to secure their garages and sheds following a spate of break-ins.
In the last month police have received around 20 reports of break-ins to garages and sheds in Dawley, Sutton Hill, St Georges, Madeley and more recently in Ketley and Jackfield.
Various items have been stolen including mountain bikes, outdoor tables and chairs, power tools, copper piping and a fridge and washing machine.
Police are investigating the incidents and are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.
They are also warning householders in general to be aware and to step up security measures in relation to garages and sheds.
Telford & Wrekin Crime Risk Advisor Steve Loveridge said: "Police are investigating all of the incidents reported to us and we would appeal to anyone with information to call us.
"From a crime prevention point of view, we would also ask all homeowners in the borough to be vigilant and to increase security measures to their garages and sheds.
"The majority of garage doors are the up and over type and are secured by a central locking system. However, I would recommend additional locks on the inside of the garage doors as added security or even an alarm system. Windows should also be covered to prevent would-be thieves from looking inside the garage.
"Ideally sheds should not be used to house expensive items such as top of the range bicycles. If you can, consider fitting a good quality hasp and padlock and purchase a shed alarm, which act as a good deterrent and are readily available at most DIY shops.
"For all property, please consider using a forensic property marking system. It has been proven that these marking systems act as a deterrent and they help police to return stolen property to the rightful owner and help with the prosecution of offenders."
Anyone who sees any suspicious individuals operating within their community should call police immediately.
Otherwise, anyone with information about any of the break-ins or stolen property should contact Telford Police on 101. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
