A series of break-ins during which offenders have used gardening tools to gain entry to homes have taken place in St Albans.
Hertfordshire Constabulary have issued a warning to residents following three burglaries in the district.
A safe containing cash was stolen from a house after burglars used a shovel and screwdriver to open a conservatory door in West Way, Harpenden, between June 15 and 16.
On the same day a garden hoe was used to force open a door in Stewart Road, Harpenden.
A garden spade was used to damage a window pane in Riverside Road, St Albans, on June 18.
During the break in a jewellery box was stolen from the house.
Police are urging people to lock away their gardening tools and ladders to avoid them being used by opportunist burglars.
Sergeant Sophia Pidgeon, from the Operation Scorpion team, said: "We expect with the weather getting hotter, residents will be more relaxed about garden security and opportunist burglars will use insecure garden tools to break into homes so they are not caught ‘going equipped’."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Hertfordshire Constabulary on the non-emergency number 101.
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