ELECTRICAL equipment, gardening tools, bikes and property have been stolen in a spate of thefts from sheds in Runcorn.

Police investigating the burglaries are urging residents to be extra vigilant.

Officers say 20 break-ins have been reported between Thursday, August 3 and Wednesday, August 16 in the Heath area.

Detective Constable Ciara Murphy, of Runcorn Local Policing Unit, said: “We are determined to catch those who are committing these crimes but we also need the public’s help.

“I want to urge the local community to contact officers if they see anyone acting suspiciously in the area or if they have any CCTV footage which could be relevant to the investigation to pass it onto us.

“I also want to remind residents to never leave their sheds unlocked and to have them fitted with strong padlocks.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101. Information can also be passed on anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.