THE North Somerset Neighbourhood Policing team are urging residents to secure their outbuildings following a rise in break-ins.

Police note an increase in cases in Congresbury, Long Ashton, and the Abbots Leigh Areas.

Posting on Facebook, a spokesperson from the North Somerset Neighbourhood Policing team said: "We are aware of an increase in the number of outbuilding break-ins in the Congresbury, Long Ashton and Abbots Leigh areas.

"We would ask residents to make sure their outbuildings are secure, especially if you are storing high value items like Bikes, Lawnmowers and other garden machinery.

"You can find more advice on many aspects of crime prevention at our crime prevention microsite: https://orlo.uk/EsTK2.

"If you have any information about individuals involved in criminality in your area, you can contact #NailseaNPT by emailing us directly at: SomNorthNPTNailsea@avonandsomerset.police.uk, by ringing 101 or using our online reporting system at: https://orlo.uk/FLQkw."

According to the leaflet shared in this post, you should check for weak spots in your outbuildings, which criminals could use to gain access.

You can also plant thorny hedges and bushes close to your outbuilding to make it harder for anyone to break in.