Police have encouraged residents to keep property secure after a recent spate of burglaries on the Isle of Wight.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary have urged people to keep sheds and outbuildings locked up, and to keep tools secured. 

Police said: "Criminals will take advantage of the darker evenings this time of year, and we have had incidents recently of burglary and theft on the Isle of Wight."

In October, Industrial machinery was stolen from a business in Freshwater and multiple power tools were stolen after a shed was broken into in Arreton.

In November, a container was broken into in Newport and some tools were stolen.

Police recommend: 

  • Outbuildings such as hay barns may not be visited for weeks at a time. Ensure all doors and windows are shut and locked when not in use.
  • Install security lights that come on automatically at dusk and off at dawn.
  • Consider installing CCTV to provide formal surveillance to the most vulnerable areas of the property.

Police said: "If you see any suspicious activity, contact police.

"Dial 999 in an emergency or if an incident is in progress."