THIEVES are targeting sheds and garages to steal valuables, police have warned.


Cheshire Police has issued a warning after a rise in the amount of break-ins to outbuildings in the town.


There were 130 burglaries to outbuildings in October and November.


The worst affected areas were Warrington East and Warrington Central.


Police are appealing for residents to ensure sheds and garages are kept secure with nothing of value inside.


Officers say that in some of the recent burglaries outbuildings were not locked.


Andy Williams, stronger communities manager for Cheshire Police, said: "We all think about our home security but we don’t very often think beyond our house when we think about security.


"We are all guilty of putting expensive things like mountain bikes, patio furniture, outdoor heaters, lawnmowers and electric drills in our sheds but we do not give it a second thought about how secure these out buildings are.


"We are asking everyone to take half an hour to ensure their buildings are secured, and gates are closed and locked to deter burglars from stealing from sheds and garages the items you have spent your hard earned wages on buying in the first place.


"Our message is simple, burglars are like magpies − they both steal for their own benefit − deny them access to your garden and they will not thrive on their ill gotten gains.


"Think about safeguarding your shed or garage in the same way you would think about the rest of your home security.


It is the second burglary warning from Cheshire Police as the festive season approaches.


As revealed in the Warrington Guardian, there has also been a spate of burglaries to houses in recent weeks.


Police have issued crime prevention advice with the use of timed lights when not in strongly recommended.


Keeping doors and windows locked, using outside security lights and ensuring valuables are out of sight, are also advised by officers.