POLICE were on hand in a Barrow supermarket to dish out advice and free security gadgets in a bid to prevent burglaries. 


PCSO Carys Brockbank talks to a shopper about home security. Officers manned a section of Tesco Extra at Hindpool Retail Park yesterday between 10am and 1pm to educated shoppers on the need to lock up their sheds and garages to deter would-be burglars. 

Shed locks and bike locks, donated by Tesco, were handed out as part of the initiative, which was organised by Sergeant Caroline Milligan. 

"With lighter nights and warmer weather upon us, we anticipate a rise in shed break-ins and thefts, therefore we decided to try and preempt this by offering security advice and equipment," Sgt Milligan said. 

"The event was a huge success, with staff giving out five heavy duty padlock alarms, eight movement sensors and 11 lockable door staples, funded by the police, along with seven cycle locks kindly donated by Tesco. Plans are afoot for a second event, so if you weren’t able to catch this one, please look out for further details on Twitter and in The Evening Mail."

During yesterday's event, PCSOs Carys Brockbank, Tony Butler and Zoe Anderson, along with PC Karen Morrow, talked to shoppers about simple steps home-owners can take to protect their property.