Householders are being warned to be vigilant after a rise in burglaries from sheds and garages across the county.

Hertfordshire Constabulary said outbuildings were being targeted for expensive tools and leisure equipment stored in them.

Inspector Paul Lawrence, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Crime Reduction Unit, warns: "Sheds, garages and outbuildings are often targeted by thieves as they tend to be less secure than homes and often hold expensive gardening and power tools or bikes and exercise equipment.

"Many people leave expensive items like lawnmowers or bikes out in the garden - where a thief just needs to climb a fence or unlock a gate to get at it. Tools left out in the garden like spades or forks can also be used by burglars to break into homes."