HOUSEHOLDERS are warned to be on their guard after two break-ins in as many days in the same area of Keighley.

Last Tuesday (November 23), intruders forced entry to an outbuilding in Green Head Road, Utley, and stole a laptop.

And the following day, the garage of a house in Green Head Avenue was broken into and a motorbike and bicycle stolen.

West Yorkshire Police urge people to check the security of sheds, garages and outbuildings.

A spokesperson said: "People often don't secure their shed or garage in the same way they do their homes. Frequently a flimsy lock or padlock will be used to protect the contents. Burglars know sheds are a weak point when it comes to security and often see them as easy targets.

"The most common items stolen from sheds or garages are bikes, mowers and garden or power tools."

Advice includes cover windows so would-be thieves can’t see what’s inside, use closed-shackle padlocks, lock large items together so it’s more difficult to remove them, ensure the door and frame of a shed is solid and consider integrating any outbuilding into your home alarm system – especially if it contains valuables.

For more tips, visit westyorkshire.police.uk/advice/home-security/home-security/shed-and-garage-security.