VILLAGERS near Shrewsbury are being advised to tighten their shed security following a spate of burglaries.

Residents in Condover awoke to find their sheds and workshop buildings had been broken into on September 5.

Detective Inspector Sarah Wagstaff of Shrewsbury CID said: “We want local people to be aware of these crimes so they can be on their guard and take whatever steps necessary to improve security.

“We have carried out house to house enquiries and conducted forensic examinations and would welcome any further information concerning the offenders or the whereabouts of the stolen property.”

One of the burglaries was just 10 weeks after the same garden shed was broken into and power tools worth more than £1,200 stolen.

Three doors were completely ruined on an outbuilding at a bungalow in the village the same night but the burglars failed to gain entry and once more left empty-handed.

But in another burglary at several outbuildings at the same address, a large number of power tools and other items were stolen.

The haul included a Haytor petrol mower, several chainsaws, a hedgetrimmer, leafblower, strimmer, a red Decathlon racing road bike, a red Muddy fox child’s mountain bike, an Apple Mac laptop and an Apple iPod.

DI Wagstaff added: “Since then, the owner has fitted two alarms to his shed and both activated as the door and lock were forced.

“The alarms disturbed the intruders who fled empty-handed on this occasion.

“Such alarms can be obtained from DIY stores at relative low cost, are easy to fit and are tremendous value for the added security they provide.”

Anyone with information can call West Mercia Police on 0300 333 3000.