THIEVES are targeting sheds and garden machinery in the Farnham area, with three such break-ins reported in the space of just seven days earlier this month.

Several ’gardening machines’ were stolen overnight from a home in Eglinton Road, Rushmoor, sometime between December 14 and 15.

Between December 14 and 18 a ride-on lawnmower was also stolen from a property in Gardeners Hill Road, Lower Bourne.

And thieves also stole a petrol lawnmower and a bicycle from a home in Stoke Hills, central Farnham between December 12 and 19 after dismantling the wooden door of a concrete shed.

In each incident, it is believed the thefts could have taken place a number of days before the items were noticed missing.

Surrey Police gives the following advice to help prevent shed break-ins:

• Use good quality fixings and a padlock to secure doors.

• Use anti-tamper screws in door hinges.

• If possible, lock any windows.

• Fit a mains or battery powered alarm.

• Use a forensic coding product to ’property mark’ all valuable tools and equipment with your postcode/house number.

• If possible, secure lawnmowers and other valuable equipment to a shed or garage wall.

• Lock tools away when you aren’t using them