HOUSEHOLDERS and gardeners across Sedgefield borough are being urged to secure their garden and allotment sheds to protect their belongings.

With summer fast approaching, Sedgefield Community Safety Partnership is urging residents to tighten security of their garden and DIY equipment.

Crime prevention officer PC Neil Langthorne said: "Many people take a great deal of trouble securing their house, while at the same time leaving property in a shed, which is either unlocked or so old and rundown that it would provide no obstacle to a thief.

"During the summer months, we see a national increase in the number of thefts from garden sheds and Sedgefield is no different, but we all have the power to reduce these thefts."

He advised people to fit strong locks to shed doors and grilles to the windows, security mark valuable items, never leave items unattended, secure property such as bikes to the building and install security lighting.