Ryhill, Havercroft, Crofton and Walton have seen an increase in shed and power tool thefts this past month, thieves are targeting sheds in rear gardens as well as vans and removing lawnmowers, strimmers, hedgetrimmers and other such power tools.

These offences are likely linked and being committed by the same suspects and are generally occurring in the early hours (around 3am generally). 

Work is ongoing to identify those responsible but I would ask residents to be vigilant and that any suspicious activity or concerns are reported, this could be as simple as a van slowly driving down the street in the early hours which you know isn't one of your neighbours - any officer in the area would stop this vehicle and ensure they weren't out to commit crime, there are offences we can arrest for to prevent these thefts if we catch them before they act such as ‘going equipped for theft’ (if they have items used in theft offences i.e. balaclavas, gloves, cutting implements etc) so its always worth reporting if you are concerned.

For security advice to help protect yourself and your property please see the following link; Shed and garage security | West Yorkshire Police

Thanks, 

PC 3630 Jordan Buck