Police to hold roadshows in Kingswood to highlight growing problem of thieves targeting shed and garages in the town

Police are warning Kingswood people that thieves are targeting sheds and garages in the town and will be holding two roadshows next month to highlight the problem.

While house burglaries in Kingswood have fallen by a third comparing the past 12 months with 2010-2011 – meaning 50 fewer victims – thieves have turned their attention to outbuildings.

Sheds and garages are being targeted because they are likely to be less well secured and are used to store valuable bikes, motorcycles, mopeds, power tools and sports equipment.

Police operations have so far led to arrests - two teenagers arrested in connection with the theft of a bike from a shed in Kingswood were convicted of burglary. A 19-year-old man was ordered to pay £300 compensation, carry out 75 hours' unpaid work and placed under a community order. A 16-year-old was put under supervision, given a youth rehabilitation order until July and ordered to pay £100 compensation.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Rachael Hodges said: "There have been 44 non-dwelling burglaries reported in the past month. As well as carrying out high-visibility uniformed patrols in the crime hotspots and targeting known offenders, we want to make sure local people know what they can do to deter thieves."

Police are delivering leaflets to households in areas where there have been burglaries and are holding two roadshow events in February.

The roadshows will feature a special exhibition shed fitted out to show security products in use, as well as information leaflets, property marking kits and the chance to talk to officers for specific advice.

The first will be at the Kingswood Civic Centre between 9am and 1pm on Wednesday, February 15.

The second will be at the Kings Chase Shopping Centre between 9am and 1pm on Wednesday, February 22.