A WARNING has been issued following a spate of thefts from garages and sheds in Widnes. Police said a number of items – including bicycles, motorbikes and mini-motos – have been stolen recently. Residents are being urged to remain security conscious and to take steps to reduce their chances of falling foul of thieves. They are being encouraged to: Keep any garages, sheds or outbuildings locked and secure whatever time of the day or night. Ensure they use a good quality padlock or other security device – ideally one that will be difficult to force open or cut through. Store any expensive items such as bicycles and motorbikes in a garage, shed or outbuilding. Keep any gardening equipment, tools and electrical equipment safe and out of sight. Not be tempted to leave items lying around the garden – an opportunistic thief could use them to help them break into the home. Secure any large/bulky items like ladders or bikes to the inside of the garage, shed or outbuilding – or consider using ground mounted anchoring systems, which lock items to the floor making them difficult to steal. Use marking systems, which show who the items belong to. Consider other security measures in the garden such as motion sensitive lights, which switch on if anyone is outside, using gravel, which is noisy if anyone steps on it, and planting prickly bushes around sheds, to deter potential thieves. Try not leave large bulky items like wheelie bins next to fences or gates if possible as this could provide an easy access route into a garden. Report any suspicious activity in the area to police immediately. PCSO Steven Hill said: “We are urging residents across the town to remain vigilant and to reassess their current security measures. “Many thefts such as this are opportunistic – if a thief sees a door that looks insecure they are more likely to try to break in. “Keeping an eye out on your neighbourhood and reporting any suspicious activity is also important – even the smallest amount of information can be useful when piecing together a case. “We would also urge anyone who has any information in relation to any of the recent thefts to get in touch with us.” Anyone with any information is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101. Information can also be passed on anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111. If anyone is interested in having their bicycle or other valuable items security marked they can contact PCSO Hill on 0845 458 6383. | 
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