The new Springtime Campaign is to target people who own sheds and garages and they leave them either insecure or open, displaying all those valuables inside.

The following general advice may help to prevent future problems.

Make sure your shed or garage is sturdy. If not, make this a priority and improve the fabric of the building.

Fit a quality lock on the door. Choose a closed-shackle padlock and bolt the fittings onto the door and fit a steel plate on the inside to reinforce the door.

Make sure any windows are secured. Consider fitting a grille or bars to prevent access. Fit a blind or net curtains to stop would be thieves from looking inside.

Postcode all property such as cycles, lawnmowers, hedge trimmers and garden furniture by engraving, stamping or even painting. Visually marked property does have a deterrent effect upon the thief.

Light up your shed or garage. Fit an   energy-efficient dusk to dawn light.

Thieves don’t like being seen, and this  will make them feel uncomfortable.

Shed and garage alarms are a simple and effective device that may help to prevent crime. They are battery-operated and cost from around £5.

The Crime Prevention Panel has a selection of alarms and UV Marker Pens for sale. Panel Members are also available for short talks and demonstrations from one to one or as a group event. Simply telephone the Chairman, Mrs. Maureen Brewer on 01937 582 441 for further details.

Remember you can always telephone the following numbers should you see or hear anything suspicious or wish a Crime Reduction Officer to visit you at home or your business.

On the 15th May, the day we celebrate Pentecost, the folk at our Boston Spa chapel will have the pleasure of hosting the Circuit morning act of worship, involving all twelve chapels.

A morning service of this kind is a new experience for many of us, but it will be a wonderful opportunity for people to gather from different places for what we believe will be a challenging and uplifting occasion. We also have the pleasure of welcoming the Chairman of the District, the Reverend Stephen Burgess to preach on this highpoint in the Christian calendar.

Children and teenagers will be having their own worship-based activity at the same time (10.30 am) in Boston Spa Village Hall.

That first Pentecost was also an occasion when people gathered from different places just as we will do. On further observation, it is also apparent that what we often concentrate upon in the coming of the Holy Spirit is how He prompted the believers to both work and witness to the things of God. They had been given strength to serve, continuing the work that Christ began.

They fed the poor; they provided for the widow and the fatherless; they organised food parcels, they served tables shared their belonging; they passed on the teaching of Christ and received power to become evangelists, and missionaries, and pioneers of the kingdom of God.

However, there is another area, which we sometimes forget and this takes me back to my introduction. The Holy Spirit also prompted them to worship. This is put last, but as a spiritual priority it should be put first. Their work, and their witness, arose out of their worship. The Wind of God blew, and the Fire of God fell upon those who had gathered for worship. It happened when they were gathered for prayer, waiting upon God for the fulfilment of the promised power. It happened when, “They were all with one accord in one place.” Worshipping time may be waiting time, but it is never wasted time. Worship warms the heart, inspires the tongue and gives power for work and witness. Let us offer our hears in worship to God, who knows what mighty things He may do.