POLICE have warned householders to review the security of their sheds and garages following a spate of break-ins in Wyre Forest over the festive period.

Kidderminster police's crime reduction officer, PC Ian White, said: "People given tools or bikes for Christmas might want to think about investing in improving shed and garage security to keep their new gifts safe."

Among practical measures he advised people to take were placing mesh or bars on the inside of windows, while battery-powered alarms were also useful. Keys should be kept safe and secure.

He added: "Sheds and garages often contain expensive tools which are ideal for breaking into the rest of the house but these can be stored in lockable steel boxes or secured to anchor posts fitted to the floor.

"Finally, householders should security mark bikes and other items as it may put burglars off, make the property harder to sell and help the police to reunite them with their rightful owner."