LOCAL garden centres and DIY stores will be visited by policing teams on Friday to give advice on keeping homes and gardens secure.

Displays featuring security equipment and other crime prevention methods will be available to customers visiting major stores in Hereford, Leominster, Ross-on-Wye and Ledbury. Many of the stores are offering discounts or special offers on garden security equipment during the day. Crime prevention leaflets will be handed out by local police officers and community support officers.

The idea stems from statistics showing that around 1,000 burglaries take place each year across the West Mercia region, particularly in summertime.

The displays will be at B&Q, Wyevale Garden Centre and Rockfield DIY in Hereford. They will also cover the Pengethley Garden Centre and Focus DIY in Ross, Homebase in Ledbury, Country Homes and Gardens in Wellington and Focus DIY in Leominster.