TENDRING’S top cop believes a spate of shed break-ins could be down to a group of youngsters caught up in the drugs trade.

Dovercourt residents have been hit by a wave of break-ins over the past week, with criminals targetting sheds and making off with power tools and gardening equipment.

Sally and Kevin Bodin are two of a number of residents living on Laurel Avenue who have been hit by the crooks.

Shed burglaries have also been reported in Harbour Crescent and Abbott Road.

The couple had power tools and equipment worth around £100 stolen overnight on Monday.

“We went out with the dogs in the morning, came back and could see through the kitchen window the gate was open,” said Mrs Bodin.

“We always bolt it shut so we know it’s closed.

It was really lucky the dogs didn’t get out.

“I looked through both sheds and all the big things like bikes and lawnmowers were still there.

“This is our home.

"It is our safe place, so it is very frustrating to know someone is looking through your possessions.”

Chief Insp Russ Cole, Tendring district commander, said he suspected younger people caught up in the drugs trade were carrying out the petty thefts.

“Over the last week we have seen a bit of a rise in shed break-ins in Harwich,” he said.

“One small group seems to be operating in Upper Dovercourt stretching down to the Low Road area.

“I have directed some extra officers there to work with an intelligence team.

“I have directed the community policing team to carry out additional stop checks and patrols.”

He added: “I would ask people to provide information for us to act on.

“Please make sure properties are secure, we would recommend security lighting.

“They are not stealing high value items, these are items that can be moved on very quickly.”