POLICE in Keighley are warning people to keep their outbuildings secure following a spate of thefts from sheds and garages.

Officers say householders often use just flimsy locks on outbuildings, and burglars see them as an easy target.

Items most commonly stolen are bikes, lawn mowers and garden and power tools.

Advice regarding sheds includes ensure the door, its frame and walls are solid; use two closed-shackle padlocks to secure doors, and fit wire mesh or bars on the inside of window frames.

To improve garage security, tips include extending the house alarm system where one is fitted and installing a garage-door blocker on the outside of the door.

More advice can be found at westyorkshire.police.uk/advice/home-security/home-security/shed-and-garage-security.