The community needs to work together to catch criminals, according to Halstead’s PCSO.

The town’s Neighbourhood Policing Team has identified burglaries - including from sheds, garages and outbuildings - and thefts from vehicles as two priorities that need to be tackled.

PCSO James Graham said: “We have chose these because of the time of year.

“Lawn mowers and strimmers - as well as other gardening equipment - will get stolen because people want to do gardening so there is a demand for the items.

“Because of the light evenings and a lot of people being around, people are more likely to leave their cars unlocked.

“It’s almost like telling people to suck eggs but it is one of those things.

“If your things have serial numbers, make a note of them.

“If your windows lock, lock them.

“Bikes are another popular target - it doesn’t cost much to buy a good lock for them.

“You can have the world’s most state of the art lock on a shed, but if you have rotten window or door frames, the lock is going to do nothing.

“You have to get your mind in the state of a criminal and make it more difficult and less attractive for them to try to break in.”

He added the police were continuing with Operation Insight.

Launched in October 2013, the operation aims to tackle break-ins by targeting police in areas that have already been hit by burglars.

However, PCSO Graham also called for the community to come together to make it harder for criminals.

“If you see anyone acting suspiciously, give us a ring,” he advised.

“Most people know their neighbours’ cars - especially in smaller villages - so if you see a car that is out of the ordinary, take down the number plate.

“If you are still not satisfied, give us a ring.

“We need a community effort to support us.

“Together we can be stronger.”

**More crime prevention advice can be found on Essex Police’s website: essex.police.uk/be_safe.aspx To contact the Neighbourhood Policing Team, call Halstead police station on 101 and ask for PCSO Graham or PC Carter.