Summer is a good time for DIY projects and gardening. Which means more time in the shed.

But garden sheds can be a target for thieves. And many people keep valuables like cars, lawnmowers and bikes in them.

One in four (27 per cent) Brits have had their shed burgled, according to insurance company Aviva.  Almost half were at home when it happened.

Bolton Police have issued tips on how to keep your shed safe from criminals this summer.

Install an alarm in your shed

People secure their home with an alarm, but neglect to do the same for their shed.

Install an alarm in your shed, such as a battery or mains-powered burglar alarm. They can easily be found at your local DIY store.

Don’t leave garden tools lying around outside

Avoid leaving garden tools out.

Burglars can use spades, ladders or other garden tools to break into your property.

Secure your shed door hinges

Make sure your shed door has strong hinges that are hard to remove.

Coach bolts fixed with a steel plate and placed on the inside of your shed door can help support it.

Choose a stronger lock

Select a ‘hasp and staple’ lock that is bolted to the door and frame for extra strength.

A closed-shackle type of padlock bears less risk of being cut.

Install outside lighting

Strong lighting can alert you to a thief trying to break in.

The best lighting for this is high-efficiency low energy lighting, controlled by a dusk-to-dawn switch.

It lights your property in a constant and uniform way.

Secure your garden fence

Make sure your garden is protected. Install a good rear garden fence or hedge and a secure side gate.

Grow prickly bushes along the walls to deter trespassers. Good plant varieties for this include pyracantha, hawthorn and holly.

Secure the items in your shed

Keep your bicycles or pedal cycles locked to a secure anchor point.

Make sure you use a good quality lock, like a ‘D’ lock, that has been tested for attack.

The lock should be ‘Sold Secure’-approved. Gold-rated devices offer the highest safety standards.

Mark property stored in the shed or garage visibly and permanently. Record property that has serial numbers on www.immobilise.com

Protect the screws on your shed door

A thief can enter the shed by unscrewing the door hinges.

Smear glue over the heads of screws or use a drill to damage the screw head in the external hinges.

If not, you can replace them with clutch head, antitamper or coffin screws.

Fit internal bars or grills over shed windows

This will secure against window entry.

To report a theft, call the police on 0161 856 5639 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.