POLICE are reminding residents to make sure their rear gardens are secure following three burglaries in Bromsgrove and Redditch.

One happened in Wolverton Close, Redditch, between 3.15pm and 4.30pm on Tuesday, January 21. The offenders gained access to the rear of the property, smashing a large pane of glass in a window and stealing costume jewellery worth £50.

There was also an attempted burglary in Bear Hill Drive, Alvechurch, at 5.15pm on the same day.

In the incident a concrete slab was used to smash a window. Damage of £200 was caused, but it is not believed access was gained and nothing was stolen.

In Greenhill, Blackwell, offenders forced access to the shed and took a garden fork and a pair of shears ,which they used to force the French doors.

Around £800 damage was caused but nothing was stolen in the incident between 2.30pm and 9.40pm on Thursday, January 23.

Detective Constable Paul Lettis of West Mercia Police said: “In all three incidents access was gained to the rear gardens, which enabled the offenders to break in or attempt to break in without being seen from the street.

“Householders are being urged to consider ways of preventing access being gained to the rear, such as keeping side gates locked, using high fencing, and planting prickly shrubs and bushes along boundaries.”

Anyone with information about any of the incidents is asked to call DC Lettis on non-emergency number 101. Alternatively ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

Crime prevention advice is available at westmercia.police.uk.