Garden tools and equipment were stolen from a number of homes in the Ashford area over the weekend.

Police are urging residents to be vigilant after three incidents were reported on the same day in Smarden, Bethersden and Shadoxhurst.

On Saturday, a lawnmower was stolen from the garage of a house in Standard Lane in Bethersden at around 2.30pm.

A silver Ford was spotted nearby.

Later that day at around 4.25pm, two men were disturbed while attempting to break into a domestic garage at around in Smarden Bell Road, Smarden.

The men, who were both white and aged between 30 and 35, had put aside a leaf blower and a bike to take but left the scene empty-handed.

Police were alerted to another incident in Shadoxhurst after a black canvas-style bag containing a mixture of cordless tools was stolen along with a leaf blower, a strimmer, a jewellery box, cufflinks, watches and cash was stolen from a house in Woodchurch Road.

Officers are warning residents to be on their guard against the theft of tools and garden equipment now the nights are drawing in.

Inspector Jason Atkinson said: "The clocks going back provides thieves with a greater opportunity to commit their crimes under the cover of darkness.

"It is a good time for people to review the security of their sheds, garages, outbuildings and vehicles and guard against the theft of tools and garden equipment.

"Most people make sure their homes are secure but often their sheds and outbuildings are not such a high priority. Unfortunately they can provide rich pickings for thieves as they are often packed with expensive tools and machinery," he said.

Operation Castle - the force's annual burglary prevention campaign - was launched at the end of October to raise awareness about home security and encourage the public to take extra measures to protect their property over the winter months.

Inspector Atkinson added: "The good news is there are ways people can protect their property.

"Make life difficult for opportunist thieves by locking garden equipment securely away and using good quality locks and shed and padlock alarms. Make sure security lights are working properly.

"Disable ride-on mowers and chain expensive equipment together or to secure anchor points. Keep an inventory of your equipment, including serial numbers and photos of expensive items.

"Defensive planting, which is using prickly plants on boundaries, also acts as a deterrent and can help catch criminals through DNA if they are cut on the thorns.

"It is also worth investing in an alarmed padlock, which is a heavy duty lock that has a built-in 120 decibel alarm - enough to deter even the most determined of thieves."

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