POLICE tested the doors of more than 1,000 properties in part of York during a four-night operation to crack down on burglaries.

Officers in Micklegate were out in force in a bid to prevent owners of sheds, garages and allotments becoming victims of theft over the summer months.

As part of the scheme, under the banner Operation Joypad, officers checked to see if any garden tools have been left on display and tested doors and windows of sheds and garages to see whether doors were locked.

If not, officers then rang homeowners’ doorbells to advise them they were a prime target for burglars. Of more than 1,000 properties checked, 35 were found to have an insecure back yard, gate, shed, or outhouse.

“We were really pleased to find that the majority of properties checked were secure on this occasion,” said Micklegate Police Community Support Officer Rachel Shaw.

“Within the 35 insecure locations, numerous items of valuable property such as bicycles, electrical garden equipment and garden tools were found easily accessible. Home- owners were spoken to and advised to secure their property in order to avoid becoming a victim of crime.

Residents have been encouraged to remove valuable property from sheds or garages, as we all know prevention is better than cure, although where this is not possible, it is advisable to secure the items to the inside of the shed or garage by means of a good lock and chain.”

More than 200 signs which read: “there is no valuable property left here” were also handed out to local residents including plot holders at Scarcroft allotments.

Further signs for sheds and garages are available from Pextons in Bishopthorpe Road, or by phoning the Micklegate Safer Neighbourhood Team on 0845 60 60 247.