A SCHEME aimed at reducing the number of shed and garage burglaries in the Shepway area of Maidstone is proving successful. Police have begun distributing and installing shed alarms across the estate which is considered a hot spot for this type of crime.

Thieves ran off empty-handed in separate incidents over the weekend in Westmoreland Road and Kingswood after alarms were activated.

PC Mark Hedges, project officer for Shepway, said: "We are visiting lots of houses in the area to distribute shed alarms to those residents who would like them.

"The fact that two burglaries this week have been prevented due to shed alarms is excellent evidence that they are very effective and could help enormously in fighting the problem.

"It is a good time to install these alarms, as the weather is slowly improving and more people are buying garden equipment and storing it in their sheds and garages."

Maidstone and Malling Police advise that as many security measures are taken as possible to protect sheds, garages and other outbuildings.

Installation of alarms and security lighting, fitting good quality locks and property marking is recommended. Shed alarms can also be bought from Maidstone and Malling Neighbourhood Watch Office for £6.50.