POLICE have produced a new crime-busting leaflet for residents to tackle the problem of green-fingered thieves who are targeting garden sheds.

The leaflet has been produced by Thames Valley Police and Wycombe, South Bucks and Chiltern district councils in a bid to make residents aware of the importance of garden security.

Ray Reeder, Thames Valley Police crime reduction officer, said people needed to review their security.

He said: "A large number of burglars use garden tools to break into houses. Garden spades, forks and ladders can all help a burglar to gain entry. We would urge people to be particularly vigilant about the security of sheds and outbuildings."

Residents are advised to:

Ensure all tools are locked away

Use good quality door locks on gates, doors and windows

Check that doors and frames are in good condition and free from split, rot and warp

Replace exposed door hinges with vandal-proof screws or coach bolts

Visibly mark property with a postcode to ensure it is identifiable if stolen

Note any serial numbers

Plant thorny shrubs under vulnerable windows or against potential access routes, such as gates or walls

Shackle together high-value items such as bicycles and lawn-mowers

Fit chicken wire or a grille to the inside of shed windows

Consider fitting an alarm to outbuildings.

The security leaflets are available from police stations, Marlow Garden Centre and B&Q at Wycombe and Homebase at Loudwater.