Increase in shed break-ins

Wolverhampton Police has said it has seen an increase in reports of shed break-ins in the city over the last week.

Now they are advising people to make sure that their sheds are secure and valuables are kept safe.

An alert issued by West Midlands Police WMNow said that the shed break-ins are 'seasonal events' which see padlocks being cut off by thieves.

Tina Fallon, police, engagement and consultations officer for Wolverhampton Partnerships, said: "Over the past week there has been a noticeable increase in sheds being broken in to all over the Wolverhampton area. This is occurring to sheds in gardens as well as sheds in communal areas.

"This is a seasonal trend for this time of year, as it is at this time of year when we are most likely to replace our old outdoor equipment, buy new items, and when we are most likely to be away on holiday for long periods of time.

"At this time the increase is not extreme, but the offences which have been reported to us are of a similar nature.

"Sheds which are secured with padlocks seem to be being targeted, by way of the lock being cut off. There does not appear to be any particular items which are being targeted, we have had reports of lawnmowers, bicycles, tools, and spare tyres being taken.

"In light of this, we recommend that you check the security of you sheds and garages if you have them. If a padlock is the only security in place, consider utilising extra security."