Thieves have been on the rampage in West Oxfordshire burgling 23 garden sheds and outhouses in the past fortnight.

Police are now urging residents in villages such as Shipton-under-Wychwood to be on their guard and more security conscious.

The offenders have been targeting large properties with well-kept gardens, often forcing padlocks or mortice locks using narrow crowbars or screwdrivers.

Investigating officers say that entries, on most occasions, have been messy breaking wood and causing a lot of damage.

The offenders only appear to have taken items that are reasonably easy to carry, leaving expensive lawn mowers.

Bill Butcher, crime reduction advisor for Thames Valley Police, said: "Criminals like an easy life, so don't give it to them. While you are having a spring clean of your garden shed think about marking and securing the items.

"You may not think there is much of value, but you'd be surprised at the replacement cost.

"The simplest and probably the most effective way of securing garden equipment and furniture is to chain it together. There are locks on the market similar to a long bike lock, or a length of chain. Thread this through the items and snap the lock. You can go one better and place a secure eyebolt to the floor or wall."

With the summer app- roaching, Mr Butcher also offered some seasonal advice, warning homeowners against leaving windows open when their properties are unoccupied.

He also advised against leaving anything on show in cars.

He added: "West Oxfordshire is a low crime area. Most criminals are opportunists, so don't give them the opportunity and it will remain so."