POLICE have issued advice following a spate of garage break-ins across Basingstoke.

In the 11 days leading up to Thursday (yesterday), there were 18 break-ins at garages across the town, with nine taking placing Winklebury and five in the Lychpit area.

Police have issued the following advice to residents:

  • Place all tools and garden equipment in locked sheds and garages.
  • Secure more expensive items, e.g. mowers, bikes to an anchor point within the shed or garage.
  • Mark all items with postcode and record serial numbers. e.g. UV pens or forensic marking kits. Register the details for free on www.immobilise.co.uk
  • Take photographs of items such as statues and garden furniture if they are unusual, for easy identification at a later date.
  • Fit a shed alarm.
  • Keep the structure in good repair.
  • Consider covering windows with curtains to obscure the view of the contents.
  • Consider external lighting.
  • Ensure the garden fences are in good repair between neighbours to prevent unlawful access.
  • Ensure side gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of the property.