Avon and Somerset Police are asking householders in the Midsomer Norton, Pensford and Temple Cloud areas to be alert and to take sensible security measures to protect property they store in sheds and outbuildings.
The warning follows five burglaries and one attempted burglary over the weekend of August 30th – 31st in Paulton, Hallatrow and Clutton. Since the beginning of June, there have been around 25 reported shed break-ins in the Pensford, Bishop Sutton, Temple Cloud, Farrington Gurney, Hallatrow, Midsomer Norton, Radstock and Freshford areas.
Detective Sergeant Andy Hodges, of Bath's District Focus Team, said: "We are carrying out targeted patrols in these affected areas and we would like to hear from anyone on 101 who sees people or vehicles that look suspicious, particularly at night and in the early morning.
"We believe this is organised crime and that the people responsible are mobile and using a van or a pick-up truck.
"People can take steps to help beat the burglars. It's a good idea to make sure your garden fences and gates are sturdy with good locks to deter would-be thieves before they even reach your shed. Topping fences with trellis and using prickly plants along the boundary will also make life more difficult for a burglar."
Other security advice includes: Fitting low-energy, motion-sensing security lights, using close-shackled padlocks to secure a hasp and staple fitted with coach bolts or tamper-proof screws on both your gate and shed, chaining valuable items to an anchor, not leaving ladders or tools outside and fitting an alarm.
If you see anyone climbing into yours or a neighbour's garden or tampering with a shed, call 999 immediately.