Residents are being warned following a spate of garage and shed break-ins in which tools were stolen.

Addresses in Stonegate, Fairlight, Westfield and Ticehurst were targeted by thieves between the evening of May 22 and midday on May 23.

Between 10pm and 7am the door of a detached garage in Limden Close, Stonegate, was forced open and a Dewalt mitre saw and a Stihl combi-stool were stolen.

In Primrose Hill, Fairlight, a garage was broken into between 8.30pm and 9am and two Stihl chainsaws, a Makita cordless drill, a Dewalt drill and a belt sander plus other tools were stolen.

A dark green Hayter petrol lawnmower was stolen from the driveway of a house in Heathlands, Westfield, between 8pm and 9am.

A garage and a garden shed at a home in Lower Waites Road, Fairlight, were broken into between 10.30pm and 8.30am.

Between midnight and 7am a vehicle was also broken into in Farthing Hill, Ticehurst and two drills and a jigsaw were stolen.

Hilary Warden, Hastings and Rother crime prevention officer, said: "Garages and sheds often contain high value items but the security of these outbuildings is sometimes neglected by homeowners.

"Garage and shed alarms are widely available and not expensive and can be an excellent deterrent to thieves. If you are using a padlock, ensure it is a close shackle padlock.

“Also chain items together and ideally to a fixed anchor point.

"Ensure that all your property is marked with your postcode and house number. This can be done clearly with a permanent marker pen or with some paint and also additionally use an invisible UV marker pen. Make a note of all serial numbers of tools, bicycles etc. and consider using www.immobilise.com to record your property."

For more information visit www.sussex.police.uk/help-centre/your-local-district.

Anyone with information about the break-ins should call 101, email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.