THIEVES are all set to give their victims a "shedache" this spring and summer.
Police have warned people not to leave valuable items in sheds which are easy to burgle.
Victims then face the headache of having to replace the stolen items - and thieves have been known to use tools found in sheds to break into people's homes.
The West Yorkshire force's crime reduction officer, Det Insp John Minary, said: "Many people go to a great deal of trouble securing their house and property while at the same time leaving valuable property in a shed or garage which is either insecure or is in such a poor state of repair it doesn't provide a barrier to a would-be thief.
"Gardening tools and furniture are not cheap. They are also very saleable items for the thief.
"Don't make it easy to steal them and remember that tools stolen from your shed could be used to burgle your house."
Simple shed crime prevention tips include:
* Fit a quality lock on the door. Choose a closed-shackle padlock, bolt the fittings onto the door and fit a steel plate on the inside to reinforce the door.
* Make sure any windows are secured. Consider fitting a grille or bars to prevent access. Fit a blind or net curtains to stop would-be thieves from looking inside.
* Postcode all property such as cycles, lawnmowers, hedge trimmers and garden furniture by engraving, stamping or even painting them. Visually-marked property puts thieves off.
* Light up your shed. Fit an energy-efficient dusk to dawn light. Thieves don't like being seen.
* Shed alarms are simple and effective devices which are battery-operated and cost around £15.
Further crime prevention advice is available at the West Yorkshire Police website at www.westyorkshire.police.uk or by phoning crime reduction officers on 0845 6060606.
