SUMMER in York is a time for riverboat trips, picnics in Museum Gardens - and thefts from garden sheds.

Police figures show that as quickly as gardeners are filling their sheds with new lawnmowers and garden tools, thieves are emptying them and selling the goods on the black market.

More than 60 sheds were broken into across the city last month and thousands of pounds worth of goods have been taken - and not just garden implements but everything from cycles and mopeds to alcohol and fishing equipment.

Operations are ongoing to catch those responsible, but police are urging homeowners to take simple precautions.

York police's community safety officer, PC Jim Shanks, said most thefts happened during the night and were concentrated on the Acomb, Woodthorpe and Tang Hall areas of the city.

"The statistics show quite clearly that there is a need for people to consider the security of their garden sheds and the security of goods and equipment stored there," he said.

"Unfortunately, most sheds are inherently weak and it isn't always appropriate to fit heavy-duty padlocks, hasps, and staples as the door may not be strong enough to support them."

But PC Shanks said a range of "small but sturdy" security fittings was available, as were shed alarms.

"Locks should not be mounted to the structure by screws as these are easily ripped out, but should be bolted on.

"And a useful tip is to line the inside of the shed with wire mesh, and to chain cycles and mopeds to the shed using chains and padlocks," he said.

PC Shanks said that 40 per cent of burglaries in the past month were the result of residents failing to lock doors and windows.

"If you are working in your garden make sure you close and lock your doors - it only takes a matter of seconds for a thief to sneak in and grab a purse."

PC Shanks said that many of the 115 burglaries committed in York in June could have been avoided if simple steps were taken.

david.wiles@ycp.co.uk