AS the weather slowly improves, spring approaches after the long, cold winter and the Easter holidays are almost upon us, it’s natural for Wyre Forest residents to think about getting out into their gardens again.

Although many people take steps to protect their homes, they leave valuable equipment in gardens and unsecured sheds, providing easy pickings for opportunist thieves.

Around 1,500 shed burglaries take place every year within West Mercia and as part of their Safe and Secure campaign, our partners, West Mercia Police, have put together some useful tips.

Their advice includes: l Gates, fences and walls should be kept in good repair to stop intruders getting in.

l Grow prickly plants close to vulnerable areas such as windows, fences, boundary walls and drainpipes.

l Don’t leave expensive equipment like garden tools, mowers, mountain bikes and power tools in the shed.

l If you have nowhere else to store valuable equipment, take measures to secure your shed.

l Don’t leave ladders and tools lying around in your garden – these could be used to break into your home.

l Mark your garden tools and equipment with your postcode. If you would like a free property marking pack, please ring 01562 732903 and leave your name and address.

If gardening’s not for you, why not enjoy your local park? They are looking lovely at the moment.

The Friends of St George’s Park organised the planting of over 3,000 daffodil bulbs in November last year. Now in full bloom, they’re glorious and must raise the spirits of anyone seeing them. On April 23 (St George’s Day) there will be a Community Fun Day in the park from 10am until 3pm, with lots of fun activities including face painting, drumming and a chainsaw sculpture display, and the usual stalls.

Other events include an Easter Fayre at Birchen Coppice Primary School on Friday, April 1 from 2pm with stalls and activities, including a tombola and bouncy castle. Over in Stourport on Friday, April 15, St Bartholomew’s Primary School is hosting a community treasure hunt event called Run Rabbit Run from 11 am – 2.30pm. Everyone is welcome and there will be a BBQ and great prizes to win.

HELEN DYKE, Chairman