WHITE van man has been blamed for a rise in shed thefts across Somerset.

Properties along main roads including the A39 Minehead to Bridgwater and the A38 corridor from West Buckland to the Devon border have been hardest hit.

Police warned the thieves are targeting roadside sheds and allotments with tools such as strimmers, lawnmowers and chainsaws among their favourite items.

Sgt Nigel Downey said a number of reports have mentioned suspicious white vans operating in the areas which also include Chard and Yeovil.

He added: “The offenders are looking for valuable tools like strimmers, lawnmowers and chainsaws so my advice is that owners of items like these go outside now and make sure they are as secure as possible, and that they note the model and serial number if they haven’t already done so, so we can return them if recovered and make successful prosecutions.”