POLICE have thanked members of the public who called them to report a garage burglary in Filton as it happened.

The incident, which happened at around 1.40pm on Thursday, July 31, was reported by eagle-eyed members of the public who spotted a group of youths removing items from a garage before making off on foot.

Police officers attended the scene and took descriptions from the witnesses.

They then searched the area nearby, where they found a strimmer, believed to have been taken from the garage.

Within an hour, three young men aged 17, 16 and 13 were arrested over the incident before all later being released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Neighbourhood sergeant Steve Ives said: “We’re very glad to get calls like this, with descriptions of suspects who could still be in the area.

“I’d urge everyone to call 999 immediately if they see anyone acting suspiciously around their neighbours’ property.

“Joining Neighbourhood Watch is a really good way of making sure your area stays safe. We also recommend making sure the things you keep in your garage are permanently marked with your postcode and registered at www.immobilise.com. This helps to deter thieves because it means we can identify the rightful owner of property and prove that it’s stolen."

People are also being advised to increase the security of their garage by installing a low-cost alarm, putting metal mesh inside the windows and fitting an external ground-anchored lock to up-and-over doors.

Anyone with any information which could help the investigation is asked to contact the police by calling 101, quoting reference 78396/14.