Police warning after spate of burglaries in this area of Hartlepool

A warning has been issued for people to keep their sheds locked and secure after a spate of burglaries in Hartlepool.

Cleveland Police are issuing the reminder after a number of burglaries in the Foggy Furze area of Hartlepool last week.

There were a number of shed break-ins reported in the Westbrooke Avenue, Oakland Avenue and Kingsley Avenue area on Thursday June 4, officers said.

Along with appealing for people to come forward with any information, police are also looking to clampdown on such incidents.

A Cleveland Police spokesman said: “Officers are offering advice to homeowners on how to keep their outbuildings safe and secure in a bid to prevent further burglaries

“Keep sheds and garages locked at all times, even when you’re at home. Consider investing in good quality locks for external doors.

“Use bolts with nuts on the inside of sheds – screws can be easily removed by opportunist thieves.

“Don’t leave any tools outside of your home or shed as these could be used to gain access to outbuildings. Keep your tools in a strong and lockable steel box.

“Limit the amount of time you keep your shed and/or garage doors open while in use as this could advertise the belongings kept inside.”

Other advice offered by police is to fit strong metal grills to shed windows and secure them from the inside, and to consider installing CCTV or motion sensor lighting

They also recommend securing items such as ladders, lawn mowers and cycles down with secure chains or wire ropes, fitted with a lock to an anchor point.

Residents could also consider marking valuables with a name or postcode, and they should keep a note of valuable items in sheds and take photographs of distinguishing features.

Police also urged residents to make sure any insurance policy covers property in outbuildings and sheds.

Anyone with information or private CCTV regarding the recent burglaries in Hartlepool are urged to contact DC Wallace in Hartlepool CID on the non-emergency 101 number.

They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 orwww.crimestoppers-uk.org.

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