Police officers in Saffron Walden are reminding homeowners to secure their sheds and garages and report any suspicious activity to police.

A shed was broken into in Langley Lower Green between February 15 and March 10 when the owner found that his lawnmower, a ATCO Rotary 18SE, which is green with black bag and silver engine compartment and a Macallister petrol strimmer, silver with a black/blue engine compartment, had been stolen.

Anyone with any information about these items or the burglary is asked to contact Pc Red Leeson at Saffron Walden Police Station on 101.

Crime prevention advice from police regarding sheds:

• Sheds typically contain tools, bikes and gardening equipment which are not just valuable but which could prove useful to a burglar, so secure the door with padbolts and close-shackle padlocks or a padlock alarm.

• Hinges should be fitted using coach bolts and large backing washers.

• You could also think about installing a shed alarm and a lockable chest for chemicals and valuable equipment.