BEACH hut owners are being urged to take steps to make sure their properties remain safe as the summer season hots up.

Southend’s community policing team is offering crime prevention advice as the seaside town becomes more popular over the coming months.

Insp Ian Hughes, who leads the community team, said: “As the weather gets warmer, we see many visitors head to the beach to enjoy our coastline.

“With this in mind we are encouraging beach hut owners to take steps to ensure their properties are secure in order to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime.

“We recommend owners keep their huts well maintained and make sure that they use locks which are appropriate for the type of door they have.”

Insp Hughes also revealed extra patrols are being carried out along the seafront after concerns were raised by beach hut owners following a number of reports of criminal damage.

He added: “We are aware that damage can be caused to beach huts throughout the year and it may only be now that owners are discovering their property has been damaged or broken into.

“We want to encourage owners to report any crimes to us so that we can look to find those responsible and also build a comprehensive picture around the type of crimes which are being committed in the area.

“We’d also like to encourage members of the public to report any suspicious behaviour or if they witnesses anyone causing damage to the huts by calling Southend Community Policing Team on 101.”

For more advice on how to secure and protect a property, go to www.essex.police.uk/advice.