Cash for shed alarms after spate of break-ins in the Raunds area

Police have been working hard to try to put an end to a series of break-ins which saw more than 20 sheds targeted since the start of the year in Raunds and Rushden.

Most of the incidents took place over the weekend of January 16 and 17, and officers held an event in Raunds Market Square the following weekend to warn people about the thefts and offer crime prevention advice.

Police have made two arrests in relation to the shed break-ins.

But officers are keen to prevent further shed break-ins and they have been helped by Raunds Town Council which has provided £300 to buy 80 alarms to be given out to shed owners in the town.

Inspector for East Northants Julie Mead said: “We did get two arrests who were young people so they are getting some vital information around their behaviour and getting the support they need.

“But we wanted to raise awareness again so we went to ask the town councils for support.

“These alarms are really basic but really quite effective.

“Raunds Town Council came up trumps for us.

“They have given us £300 for 80 shed alarms that we can distribute to the public.”

Insp Mead said they will organise a crime prevention event where they can provide advice for residents as well as give out the alarms.

The alarms can be fitted by the resident or a home visit can be arranged so an officer can go out with the police cadets to fit one.

Insp Mead has praised the efforts by Raunds Town Council, and added: “Helen Howell and the team were really fantastic, you can’t ask for more from a town council.

“It’s really the first time I have asked them for any support and I was overwhelmed with their support.”

In many of the cases the padlocks were broken off the sheds and items including garden tools, bikes and even a child’s quad bike stolen.

Anyone who would like crime prevention advice can visit the police website for more information by clicking here