Sheds across east Kent have been targeted in a spate of break-ins as police appeal to catch the suspects.

Garden equipment and lawnmowers were stolen from sheds in Lydd, Herne Bay over the weekend and in Ramsgate earlier this month.

The first incident was in Ramsgate at the Canterbury Road East allotments between midnight on March 1 and 9am on March 2.

Then over the weekend officers were told about burglaries from sheds in Robin Hood Lane, Lydd and at the site in Ford Road, Broomfield.

The Lydd break-in was reported to have taken place between 7pm on Friday, March 17 and 8.30am on Saturday, March 18.

The incident at the Broomfield site is said to have happened between 4pm on Friday, March 17 and midday on Sunday, March 19.

Gardeners are being reminded about safety advice to protect their items.

Investigating officer PC Scott Stretton said: “We have been carrying out our enquiries at the allotments and handing out advice on ways in which shed owners can help to protect themselves from this type of crime.

“We urge anyone who saw anything to contact us as soon as possible as the information could be extremely helpful to our investigation.”

Advice issued to plot holders includes locking up tools and equipment, disabling lawnmowers and other machines and chaining items to a solid fixed position.

Other advice issued is to use closed shackle padlocks and installing alarms and security lights. If property is stolen, police say to make sure there are details of makes, models, serial numbers and any identifying marks or features and pictures of the items.

Anyone with information, or who sees any items which look suspicious, should call 01843 222289 using reference numbers: ZY/10676/17 for Lydd, ZY/010931/17 for Herne Bay and ZY/008439/17 for Ramsgate.

Alternatively call Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.