Police are advising Huntingdonshire residents to increase security after a spate of shed and garage burglaries.

There have been 18 reported offences since December 1 in residential areas of St Neots, Ramsey, St Ives, Huntingdon and surrounding villages.

There have also been reports of burglaries of sheds behind commercial premises and sheds and outbuildings on farm land.

In particular, offenders have been targeting garden equipment, power tools, fuel, and cooking oil.

Eight of the offences relate to stolen bicycles, which in most cases were left insecure.

While in some cases burglars have forced entry, some offences have occurred when owners have left their doors unlocked.

Police are advising people to lock all doors, cover windows with net curtains, fit security lights and shed alarms.

They have also suggested using hasps to secure garage doors to the floor and using coach bolts to prevent easy access to sheds.

Other options include chaining or locking larger items together, marking your property, and using the free property-registering service at www.immobilise.com.

INFORMATION: Report any suspicious activity on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.