RESIDENTS are being urged to lock their sheds and garages after a spate of break-ins.

Tools and even frozen food have been taken from garages and outbuildings in the past few months.

On Monday February 3 between 2am and 8.30am thieves broke into a shed on Wick Lane in Dovercourt by forcing the door open and stole a ride on lawn mower valued at just over a thousand pounds.

PCSO Lynn Grayburn said: "There has been a spate of shed, garage and outbuilding thefts in the Harwich and Dovercourt area.

"Please secure all sheds and garages leave nothing to chance."

For any crime prevention advice or information please call PCSO Grayburn at the Harwich neighbourhood policing team on 101 extension 445145.