POLICE have teamed up with a local firm to fight the staggering cost of shed and garage break-ins in the borough.

An amazing £362,000 worth of property has been stolen from across Chorley in the last year.

Now Chorley Police and ASC Timber Supplies of Steeley Lane have joined forces to combat thieves who are making off with the goods.

Thanks to the partnership between the police and the firm, ASC are offering shed alarms at low prices this weekend.

Sergeant Paul Fairhurst of the Crime Prevention Unit said: "On average each burglary is costing the property owner £695. Even if we do trace the stolen items, there is no way to identify them.

"One of the ways we want to change this is by encouraging people to postcode their bikes, tools and fishing equipment so owners are easier to identify.

"The other part of the initiative is to promote the use of shed alarms to prevent the break-ins happening.

"Hopefully people will come along and buy the alarms. We'll also be giving out general information on improving shed security."

The crime prevention unit will be at ASC Timber Supplies on Saturday and Sunday between 10am and 4pm.

Sgt Fairhurst added: "If this is a success we will be analysing the areas which are hardest hit by these crimes and going out to them."

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