POLICE are warning residents in north Norfolk to secure sheds and outbuildings following an increase of thefts of tools from gardens, building sites and sheds.

POLICE are warning residents in north Norfolk to secure sheds and outbuildings following an increase of thefts of tools from gardens, building sites and sheds.

Police Community Support Officers will be keeping an eye out for open windows and doors - a magnet for unwanted burglars - and advising people on security matters

Nearly half of all burglaries occur because a door or window has been left open.

Inspector Tony Toynton said: “Many thefts and burglaries can be prevented. Most are committed by opportunist criminals who happen to see insecure premises - and help themselves to the property inside or left outside.

“The summer months can bring with them opportunist thieves on the look out for lapses in security which they can take advantage of. Just a few simple precautions can prevent people from becoming a victim.”