Furness Vale targeted by thieves

Overnight between Tuesday, June 15 and Wednesday, June 16, offenders attempted to break in to a number of garages along Buxton Road in Furness Vale by using tools to force the locks. No entry was gained but damage was caused.

Officers received reports of two garages being broken into along the road; however it is believed that others were also targeted during the incident.

Following the thefts, the Whaley Bridge Safer Neighbourhood Team is encouraging residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity or vehicles to police on 101 to help them to stop a crime from happening.

The team are also encouraging homeowners to consider the security of their own gardens, sheds and garages to better protect their property from thieves. Advice includes:

Crime prevention tips include:

· Invest in a good quality padlock, ideally with a closed clasp to make it harder to break;

· Lock gates that allow access to gardens, sheds, garages or other outbuildings;

· Fit tamper-proof screws to hinges on shed doors and windows;

· Hide valuables from view and consider blocking shed windows so thieves cannot see inside;

· Bolt items down to the floor to make it harder for criminals to remove them;

· Buy a spotlight, shed alarm or property marking kit for valuable items;

· Remove any valuables from outbuildings or garages where you can;

· Be vigilant and report any suspicious activity on 101, 999 in an emergency or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Anyone with information about the attempted garage breaks is asked to contact PC Jim Twort on 101, quoting crime number 26049/16