Officers investigating series of shed breaks are appealing for victims to come forward

Officers investigating series of shed  breaks are appealing for victims to come forward

It's believed that other people may have been targeted  and not yet contacted police.

Officers in Tetbury investigating a number of reported shed break-ins are appealing for any  additional victims to come forward.

Police received multiple  reports of sheds being broken into on Cornwall Close on Sunday morning with victims stating that a number of bikes and other items had been stolen.

The break-ins are thought to have happened overnight from Saturday (12 November) into Sunday (13  November).

A man was detained after attending officers were contacted by a local resident who had seen a man acting suspiciously whilst in possession of a bicycle which had been reported  as stolen.

The 34-year-old, who is from Tetbury, was subsequently arrested on suspicion of burglary and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Officers have identified a  number of victims and returned some stolen items. However, there are a number  of additional items which are yet to be linked to owners and it's believed  that other people may have been targeted and not yet contacted police.

Anyone who witnessed  suspicious activity in the area, has been a victim of a break-in or has  information on these incidents is asked to please complete the following  online form quoting incident 99 of 13 November: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/

As the winter months approach  and the nights get darker earlier officers would like to remind residents of  the protective measures that can be taken to help ensure homes and  outbuildings are as safe as possible.

There are a number of  measures that can be taken to help protect your home, shed or garage from  burglary with homeowners advised to install a 'WIDE' combination of security  devices as well as ensuring that back gates are secure.

A 'WIDE' combination  includes: Window locks, Indoor lights on timer switches, Double door locks or  deadbolts and External lights on a sensor. More here: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/police-forces/gloucestershire-constabulary/areas/gloucestershire/campaigns/burglary/

There are also a number of  additional crime prevention methods that you can consider which include:

 
• Having strong and secure locks on doors and windows. Making sure you include gates leading to the rear of your property.
 
• Storing high value items within your house as well as making a note of the serial numbers and taking photographs.
 
• Security marking valuable items with either an Ultra-Violet pen or a forensic marking kit.
 
• Using a padlock on your shed, especially if you leave a lot of expensive garden equipment in there. Some burglars take advantage of your shed being unlocked. You can also consider a shed alarm.
 
• Defensive planting (thorns, bushes) can prevent casual intrusion.
 

Additional advice on ways to help protect your shed, outbuilding or garage from burglary can be found  here: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/protect-home-crime/secure-shed-garage/

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