Garden tool theft in Scotland

THIEVES stole around £55,000 worth of property from garden sheds in Midlothian and East Lothian during the last year.

The figures have sparked a warning from police chiefs to householders urging them to boost security, especially during the summer months. The statistics revealed that the number of thefts from sheds rises during the months of July, August and September. Every shed broken into during the last year was locked and secure at the time, according to police, while bicycles, gardening equipment and power tools were the most popular items stolen. Police are advising shed owners to be extra vigilant on Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays between the hours of 6pm and 9am which have been statistically proven to be the most likely times for break-ins. A police spokeswoman said: "For the small investment of £10, a shed alarm can be purchased from your local police station which can give added security and protection for often very valuable contents kept within."