Warning following spate of burglaries across South Shropshire
Police have appealed to communities of South Shropshire to remain vigilant following a spate of rural burglaries in the area.
The attacks, which have targeted outbuildings, insecure barns and sheds have occurred across the south of the county during the hours of darkness.
Tools, farm machinery, and diesel are just some of the items which have been stolen, and Crime Prevention Officers are urging residents to implement some simple security measures in order to reduce the risk towards their property.
People have been advised to ensure that all outbuildings are locked when not in use.
Officers recommend using weatherproof padlocks and reversing the hinges on shed doors so that they cannot be unscrewed.
Residents are also reminded to lock tools and machinery away and out of sight when not in use as not only could they be at risk of theft but tools can be used to gain access to surrounding buildings.
Other advice from the Crime Prevention Officers is not to leave keys or valuables in farm vehicles/machinery, to always keep gates padlocked shut and make sure all tools and valuables are security marked and warning signs placed around properties to deter potential thieves.
Sgt Andy Murdoch of the Shropshire Harm Reduction Team stated "Officers are conducting extra patrols in these areas to provide reassurance to the victims and communities".
"To assist us in our efforts to apprehend these criminals I would appeal to the residents in our rural areas to be extra vigilant and to report any suspicious activity or vehicles they see to the police."
