A new initiative is being launched across Hertfordshire to help remind residents to keep their gardens, outbuildings and allotments secure.

According to Hertfordshire Constabulary, spring is traditionally a time when burglars look to steal power tools, bikes and other expensive items stored in sheds, garages and outbuildings, and look for tools left in gardens such as spades, garden forks and ladders, which can be used to help them break into homes.

Inspector Paul Lawrence, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Crime Reduction Unit, said: “Every spring we see an increase in things stolen from gardens, sheds and garages, so we are launching Operation Gnome to make people think about protecting their property by making them aware of this issue and giving them crime prevention advice.

“If you use your shed or garage to store valuable equipment, like lawn mowers, power tools, bicycles or leisure equipment, don’t make it easy for burglars. Use good quality locks or even an alarmed padlock, keep garden gates locked and visibly mark items with your postcode and register them on www.immobilise.com. “