Police warning after Oxhey Hall shed burglaries (From Watford Observer)

Police warning after Oxhey Hall shed burglaries

3:50pm Tuesday 12th March 2013 in News By Ben Endley, Senior reporter

Garden furniture, power tools, bikes and cutlery are among the items taken during a spate of shed burglaries in Oxhey Hall.

Seven shed break-ins have been reported to police in the past two weeks, in the majority of cases the burglars have forced their way in and escaped with valuables.

Four of the break-ins have occurred at addresses in Hillcroft Crescent with another two taking place in Oaklands Avenue.

Sergeant Luke Mitchell from the South Oxhey neighbourhood team said: "This series of incidents have occurred in close proximity and we are working to establish who is responsible.

"Burglars tend to target sheds, garages and outbuildings as the spring weather arrives - they know that people are buying or replacing garden and sports equipment at this time of year.

"These items are of value to burglars and can be easy pickings if people do not take the time and trouble to secure them.

"I would ask for people to be vigilant and look out for people acting suspiciously in gardens or around sheds. Please call police if you see or hear anything out of the ordinary so we can attend and investigate."

Police are advising residents to secure gates and sheds with padlocks, lock away garden tools that could be used by a burglar to break in and ensure boundary fences are in a good condition.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.