THIEVES who plunder sheds and garages are being placed under the spotlight by police in Nelson following the launch of an Allotment Watch scheme.

The project is aimed at clamping down on the number of thefts from sheds and garages in the area.

Officers have been putting up warning posters around the local allotments which warn thieves that sheds are being watched and appeal to anyone with information about thefts to contact the police.

They have also visited homes to distribute leaflets giving advice on how to protect sheds and garages.

Sergeant Karen Edwards, of Nelson police, said: "Unfortunately we have seen a rise in the number of thefts from sheds and garages during the past few months compared to last year.

"A shed alarm fitting scheme has helped to stem the number of thefts to some extent but we thought an allotment watch scheme would help reduce numbers further.

"Patrols around affected areas will be stepped up as part of the initiative but what we really want to do is urge people who have seen something suspicious or witnessed a crime to come forward.

"We also want to encourage people to take a few simple steps to protect their property." Suggested preventive measures include:

Lock windows and doors securely and consider fitting an alarm

Install security lighting

Don't leave tools outside which could be used by a thief to gain entry to property and don't store vaulable items in the shed

Ensure property is postcoded

Sgt Edwards said: "We also have information to suggest that stolen gardening equipment is being sold at places like car boot sales.

"If owners postcode their property it increases the chances of reducing crime by deterring the thief and enabling genuine second-hand purchasers to challenge dishonest sellers as to the origins of the equipment.

"Should the item come into police possession, as many do, postcoding also gives us the chance to prove the item is stolen, put the thieves before the court and return the property to its rightful owner.

"We are committed to reducing crime but we can't do it in isolation -- everybody has a role to play."

Anyone with information about the people responsible for these crimes should contact the police on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.