Police have issued advice after a string of shed thefts.

Thornbury has been hit by tool thieves in recent weeks, with sheds in Swallow Park being targeted.

Tools have also been stolen from a container at Filnore Allotments, with nearby houses, garages and vans also being broken into.

A Yate man had £5,000 worth of tools stolen from his van at the end of December.

Residents are now being encouraged to keep tools out of sight in a secure location.

Garage or shed windows should be covered using curtains or frosted glass so contents from within cannot be seen, with alarms also fitted if possible.

Other advice includes ensuring your wheelie bin cannot be used to get over a fence or to access an open window.

Bikes and power tools should be permanently marked with your postcode. These can be registered for free at immobilise.com so that if they’re taken police will be able to easily reunite them with you.

‘Sold Secure’ close-shackled padlocks should be used to secure a hasp and staple fitted with coach bolts or tamper-proof screws on your shed.

Avon and Somerset Police also advise against keeping high-value bicycles and other items in a shed or garage but say, if this can’t be avoided, chain tools, cycles and other valuable equipment together using a high-security chain and a padlock.

If you see anyone acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood, or believe a burglary is in progress, call 999. If you discover a burglary has taken place, you can report it to us online or by calling 101.