PEOPLE are being warned to be on their guard in their gardens and ensure valuable equipment is safe and secure.

West Mercia police say there is often an increase in thefts from garden sheds with the arrival of good weather.

About 1,000 shed burglaries take place every year across the region, so police want to make sure people take the time to ensure their valuables are stored securely.

The force has produced an advice leaflet which gives tips on how people can make their gardens and sheds more secure and stop burglars from breaking in. The leaflet can be downloaded at www.westmercia.police.uk and will also be available shortly from garden centres and police stations Crime risk manager PC Taryn Green said: "While many people take steps to protect their homes and the property inside them, they often leave valuable equipment such as power tools, mowers, garden tools and bikes in unsecured sheds or in sheds that are not strong or secure enough to protect them from thieves.

"Garden crime is an unfortunate reality, so we are advising people to look at how secure their garden is and to make adjustments."

To report a garden crime contact the police on 08457 444888.