POLICE warned this week of a crimewave sweeping Darwen, Blackburn and Hyndburn - with opportunist thieves targeting sheds, garages and other outbuildings.

Items ranging from gardening equipment to frozen food have appeared in police crime report books - and in Darwen alone, bobbies have been kept busy checking on 89 incidents so far this year.

Detectives say more raids are likely as the summer crimewave reaches its peak.

A Darwen CID spokesman said: "We have a constant problem with thefts from sheds and garages throughout summer but this year's toll has reached epidemic proportions - 89 is a lot for us."

Mountain bikes, gardening tools and DIY equipment are among favourite targets for the crooks.

According to the police high numbers of raids reflect the lack of security precautions taken by householders.

The spokesman added: "Unfortunately, valuable items such as golf clubs and power tools are left in garages often protected only by the flimsiest of locks.

"Owners wouldn't dream of leaving their household possessions so vulnerable."

Police in Blackburn have warned people to be extra vigilant when going to and from their garages.

A Blackburn CID spokesman said: "People can be in and out of their garages several times a day at this time of year, and they should take care to remember to lock up when they've finished.

"Garages and sheds need proper padlocks and people need to take all precautions to make sure their property is secure."

In Accrington, police are receiving an average of two to three reports a day of thefts from garages and sheds.

An Accrington CID spokesman said: "We expect the number of thefts to go up at this time of year, when gardening equipment is at a premium." POLICE have issued the following guidelines to householders:-

Have a strong and solid lock fitted on the door or risk losing items that are surprisingly costly to replace.

Have your household burglar alarm extended so it protects your garage (a standard alarm system for a garage including fitting costs approximately £150 plus VAT)

Contact your local crime prevention officer to discuss any worries you may have about keeping garage contents safe and secure.

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