THE area around Hessle Road has seen a large increase in shed burglaries over the past month.
Private homes and allotments have been hit as Humberside Police recorded 31 burglaries since February 6.
Homes around Hessle Road, Pickering Road and Henry Boot Way have all been hit, while Pickering Road allotments have also been targeted.
Bob Major, treasurer of the Pickering Road allotments in Cranberry Way, said: "We have had sheds broken into but, for the first time in 50 years, our shop was targeted.
"Luckily, we don't keep any cash in there, but a strimmer was stolen."
Mr Major has confirmed the number of burglaries has increased recently.
He said: "This has become a growing problem in the past few weeks. It has been very frustrating. All we can do is make repairs.
"But it is costing us a fortune in buying new locks."
Detective Inspector Nicky Miller, of the priority crime team, confirmed there has been a jump in numbers of shed burglaries.
She said: "On average, we would only get about 20 burglaries, at most, in any four-week period, so this is a considerable increase.
"An array of items have been stolen, including a number of push bikes, tools, fishing equipment and sometimes golf clubs.
"Most of the burglaries have taken place overnight.
"The majority of the sheds were forced either by prising open the door or forcing the locks."
Det Insp Miller urged property owners to ensure they have suitable security in place to avoid being a victim of such crimes.
She said: "There is always more people can do to protect their sheds.
"Our neighbourhood policing teams can advise people on what to do.
"People can install security lights or shed alarms. Signs should also be put up to warn potential burglars about the security measures.
"We would also suggest anything that's very valuable should be kept in the house where possible."
Police have arrested and charged a man over two burglaries in the area.
Adrian Ellerington, 44, of no fixed address, appeared before Hull Magistrates' Court yesterday, charged with two counts of non- dwelling burglaries.
The case was adjourned to a later date and he was remanded in custody.
