TWO men have been arrested following a spate of shed break-ins in Radcliffe.

The men, aged 18 and 34, were arrested on suspicion of burglary and are being investigated in connection with a series of unrelated shed break-ins.

Residents have been plagued by increased shed break-ins in recent months and have seen expensive bikes, power tools and items of gardening equipment taken.

Inspector Mark Kenny said: "Since we became aware of this issue, we have worked hard to try and tackle it.

"Patrols have been increased in the area and we are on hand to address any concerns residents may have.

"We are also working with residents offering them crime prevention advice so their sheds and outbuildings are as secure as possible.”

In September, Bury South police officers urged the public to be aware of a spike in shed and garage break-ins in Ainsworth, with numbers more than trebling since June.

The problem then appeared to move over to Radcliffe, with increased shed break-ins reported by police since last month.

David Brooks said he and fellow residents of Shirebrook Drive and Kingmoor Avenue suffered eleven shed break-ins across their two streets.

He said a resident followed a suspect up to Cemetery Road and confronted him, which ended in a standoff and the suspect running away.

Mr Brooks added: “A police car attended the neighbourhood following reports of suspicious people trying to enter gardens and chatted to a local resident while 30m away thieves broke into another property.

“One neighbour was informed by police they would not take finger prints for a shed burglary – but this lack of care gives the green light for burglars.”

The two men arrested have been bailed pending further enquiries.