POLICE are urging people to check security on garages and sheds after burglars targeted several outbuildings last week.
Pigeons worth £1,000 escaped when an allotment shed, on Tennyson Terrace, in Crook, was damaged between 5pm and 11.10pm on Friday.
On Saturday afternoon, a garden shed, in North End Gardens, Bishop Auckland, was forced open and a bike stolen and, during the night, a grass trimmer was taken from a shed in Roddymore, Crook. The bike was later recovered.
A child's petrol scooter was stolen from a shed at Oakley Green, West Auckland, at around 10.30pm on Sunday night.
Inspector Simon Orton, of Bishop Auckland, said: "Theft from garden sheds and garages are considered a seasonal problem, usually reported at the start of spring as people start thinking about doing their gardens.
"But people get complacent at this time of year, and thieves look to take advantage of that. Anyone who needs advice can contact beat officers or neighbourhood watch co-ordinators for product advice.
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