Police investigating a spate of shed and garage burglaries in Westcliff and Thorpe Bay are warning people to keep them locked up at all times.

Westcliff has seen several raids on sheds in the area with bikes the main target.

Police are advising bike owners to keep bikes locked to fixtures inside - even if the shed is properly secured.

Two sheds at separate addresses in Fairmead Avenue, Westcliff, were hit over the weekend.

In the first instance, thieves got away with two Apollo mountain bikes, one purple and one yellow and red, as well as two blue Wickes angle grinders, worth £400.

At the second house, the shed lock and bike padlock were bolt-cropped off and a Black Jack silver mountain bike stolen.

A suspect for this burglary is described as male of medium build, 6ft tall and wearing dark clothing.

A £700 Orange P7 silver mountain bike was stolen from a padlocked shed in St George's Park Avenue, Westcliff. Once again, bolt croppers were used to gain entry.

Garages in Thorpe Bay have proved easy pickings for thieves, with expensive golf clubs going missing.

Sgt Paul Claydon of Southend police said: "Our advice is to keep sheds and garages locked at all times.

"With the summer months here, people tend to leave garages or sheds unlocked while they work in the garden. If things like a bike or golf clubs are on display then people will nip in and steal them."

Garage burglaries in Thorpe Bay have included an £800 set of golf clubs taken from Bishopsteignton on Sunday afternoon, and a Diamond Back Ruption stunt bike was pinched from Clievedon Road.

A garage in Thorpe Hall Avenue was also hit and another set of golf clubs taken, along with a wheel and tyre of a Mercedes.

The clear message from the police is "keep it locked".

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