RESIDENTS in Lustleigh are being urged to step up security to sheds and garages after three break-ins on the same night in the same road at the weekend.

Gardening equipment, chain saws, hedge trimmers, power tools and a petrol leaf blower were stolen and police say the total value was high.

A bicycle was also taken, but this has since been recovered a short distance away.

Officers investigating the burglaries, which all happened between Sunday and Monday, want to hear from anyone with information.

PCSO Paul Wilson said: ‘It was a horrible windy night with a lot of noise and security lights being activated by trees blowing about so people may not have realised what was going on.

‘We are keen to hear from anyone who may have been aware of any suspicious activity going on in the area recently, no matter how small or any strangers knocking on doors.

‘I am advising residents to step up security if they can and make sure their property is safe.’

The thieves forced entry into the sheds and garages either by forcing locks or breaking windows and broke security lights as well.

PCSO Wilson said the culprits would have needed a vehicle to remove the stolen items so he would like to hear from anyone who may have seen a strange van in the area.

He said: ‘It’s not just the cost of losing the items, it means insurance premiums go up and the excess has to be paid.’

Anyone with information is asked to contact police by calling 101 or emailing [email protected] and quoting crime ref CR/069155/15.