Police are urging people to ensure their sheds and garages are secured following a spate of break-ins over the last month.

Since the start of June, there have been 50 break-ins to sheds and garages across Ipswich, and an estimated £28,000 worth of property has been stolen, including £5,500 of fishing equipment and nearly £6,000 of garden tools. Bicycles and power tools have also been taken.

Out of those 50 incidents, 10 sheds or garages were believed to have been unlocked.

Ipswich crime reduction officer Lucy Mures said: “Losing property from your shed or garage is inconvenient and can be costly but tools from the shed can also be used to break into your house, therefore good security is essential.”

Officers are not linking the incidents, and said although burglary figures are generally down from last year, people still need to be cautious.

A Suffolk Police spokeswoman added: “Police often see an increase in shed and garage burglaries during the warmer months, a time when people tend to spend more time outside and use their outbuildings more regularly, accessing garden tools and machinery, bikes and sports equipment.

“Across the county there has been a decrease in shed and garage burglaries overall, compared to the same period last year but people are being reminded to be vigilant, secure their property with sturdy locks, consider security lighting and security mark property in the event that they should get stolen.”

Police have issued this advice:

n Make sure that the shed/garage is in good condition. If the building is in poor condition, even the best locks won’t protect what is inside;

n Make sure that the screws are concealed on fittings and hinges;

n Fit mesh or bars inside the windows or board them up if you don’t use them;

n Padlocks should be at least 6cm/2.5inches wide, hardened steel and closed shackle;

n Lock the doors – even when you are at home;

n Lock large items together with a good quality lock (www.soldsecure.com) or attach to them a shed shackle or ground anchor (www.securedbydesign.com);

n Get a battery powered alarm or upgrade the house alarm to include outbuildings;

n If you have a garage with a side access as well as an up and over door, consider fitting padlocks to the runners of the up and over door to prevent it from being opened;

n Consider extra security for the garage (www.securedbydesign.com);

n and if you see or hear anything suspicious, call police on 101. In an emergency always call 999.

Anyone who notices any suspicious activity is asked to call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.