THIEVES have broken into more than 20 sheds and garages in less than two months, making off with bikes, e-bikes and power tools.

The spate of break-ins began in August, with most incidents taking place between around 1am and 4pm in the areas of Parkstone, Branksome and Canford Cliffs.

The offenders have cut door locks or forced doors open with crowbars, before taking high-value items including e-bikes and power tools.

Dorset Police officers investigating the series of shed and garage break-ins are urging residents in the BH13, BH14 or BH15 postcodes to remain vigilant.

Officers have also urged residents to take extra precautions to safeguard their sheds and garages.

The force advises attaching a secondary lock to the base of the garage and alarming the outer building, which can be done with a single alarm or can be linked to the main house alarm.

Residents should ensure that tools and ladders are not left out to potentially assist offenders and to place bins behind locked gates or secure them to a fixed point using a chain and padlock.

Any pictures or routes on fitness trackers or apps that show start and finish points shared to social media may allow offenders to determine the home address of where bikes are stored.

Finally, Dorset Police urges residents to forensically mark and register their bikes, tools or other expensive items using an accredited forensic marking solution.

Police sergeant Euan Douglas, of the neighbourhood enforcement team for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, said: “We are continuing to explore a number of investigative opportunities around these burglaries.

“I would like to take this opportunity to urge residents to make sure they leave their garages secure at all times so they are not an easy target for offenders, and to consider additional security such as home CCTV systems and alarms.

“I would also encourage members of the public who witness any suspicious behaviour to report it to Dorset Police or anonymously at Crimestoppers.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk or by calling 101. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.