Devon and Cornwall police are urging local residents to keep expensive garden furniture and tools locked away securely.
In an awareness campaign using posters, leaflets and social media, they're warning that thieves know that people are spending more money on their gardens lately and they're targeting items such as lawnmowers, power tools, and outdoor furniture and ornaments.
Officers say many sheds have a flimsy lock and easily-broken windows - their advice is to invest in a strong padlock and window meshes if there are valuable items inside.
Security lighting, strong fencing and gravel pathways also help deter thieves.
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