Police appeal after power tools theft

Thieves forced the lock from a garden shed along Coach Lane and made off with a Stihl chainsaw and petrol strimmer, a blue Makita petrol strimmer, and a red and black Milwaukee dual drill set.

These were stolen sometime between 12.10am and 7pm on Thursday, July 28.

Following the theft, officers are appealing for information and are encouraging residents to think about the security of their own sheds, garages and outbuildings.

Homeowners are being encouraged to take some simple yet effective steps to help to protect their property from being targeted by thieves.

Advice includes fitting a good-quality lock to secure your shed, garage or outbuilding and make sure that it is appropriate to the strength of the door and frame.

People should consider buying a shed alarm to help to deter a thief and secure any bikes with a quality chain even if they are inside the shed or garage.

Valuables should be kept out of view from passers-by and consider covering windows from the inside to prevent thieves from taking a look.

Finally, photograph and record details of any items in your outbuildings and mark all valuables with a property marking system such as SmartWater.

Anyone with information about the theft, or who may have been offered similar items for sale, is asked to contact PCSO Hayley Grundy on 101, quoting crime number 16000213447, or by sending her a message here

To report a crime anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.