The advent of Spring has triggered a surge in shed break-ins in Lincoln as crooks search for gardening equipment.

Police are warning residents to beef up security after a string of reports about shed burglaries in the city.

In one spate, five were targeted in the St Giles area alone.

Officers believe an improvement in the weather is leading criminals to swipe lawnmowers and other gardening equipment in order to cash in.

Inspector Pat Coates, the officer responsible for policing in the north-east of the city, said tightening security was the best way to stop such thieves in their tracks.

"Most people keep power tools or lawnmowers in their sheds," he said.

"You can put alarms or proper locks on sheds, but not everybody takes these measures.

"People need to be aware that now that many of us are beginning to go to our gardens, there is a bit of a market for lawnmowers and other items because people want to use them again."

The spate of shed burglaries in the St Giles area took place over a period of just two or three days.

Police believe some reports they are receiving may be from home-owners who have not been using their sheds over winter – and have now discovered a theft has occurred.

But the prospect of quick and easy money alters crime patterns throughout the year.

And detectives believe the black market for stolen gardening goods is now firmly on the rise again.

Anyone with information about shed burglaries or other crimes should ring police on 0300 111 0300.

Alternatively, call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to leave information anonymously.