Officers are urging residents in Leek to ensure their outbuildings, sheds and garages are kept secure following a series of recent break-ins.

Police were first called at 4.55am on Wednesday (22 December) to an address off Buxton Road.

The victim reported that offenders had forced entry into a rear garden between 1.30am and 4.55am, before accessing a padlocked outbuilding and stealing a number of tools.

Around an hour later, officers were called to a nearby property where an informant told police two outbuildings had been accessed, but nothing had been taken.

A further nearby detached garage was targeted overnight - where offenders are believed to have entered through a window before stealing a number of work tools.

Chief Inspector Mark Thorley, of Staffordshire Moorlands Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "We are advising local residents to ensure their gardens, out-buildings, sheds and garages are kept secure to deter any opportunists from targeting your valuables.

"Where possible, install CCTV and alarms to cover at-risk areas.

"Ensure garages and sheds are kept in good repair and protected with strong security locks."

Anyone with any information related to the above incidents should contact Staffordshire Police on Facebook, Twitter or call 101 quoting incidents 95 of 22 December. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.