June 19, 2001 10:02: GANGS of thieves have been targeting garden sheds in Bromley in a three-month crime wave.

PC Mick Lane, from Bromley's crime reduction unit, says the villains are stealing thousands of pounds worth equipment, at the rate of one burglary a day.

Go-karting champion Jamie Ackers, 13, had a kart worth £1,000 stolen from the shed at his home, in Cudham Village.

It disappeared together with £7,000 of gardening equipment

His mother, Sara, 44, said: "Jamie was devastated when he found out one of his beloved karts was gone.

"But he will still be able to compete in the summer championship at Bayford Meadows, in Sittingbourne, which he is leading."

The thieves, who target larger suburban houses, also stole a sit-on lawnmower, electrical generator and some expensive tools.

Mrs Ackers added: "The gang cut down the fence to gain entry and then put it up again.

"I didn't realise anything was wrong until a few days after it happened, when a neighbour noticed it was loose.

"Heaven knows how they got away with such a huge amount of equipment without being discovered."

PC Lane said: "They know the sheds are easy booty because they are often left unlocked and poorly protected."

For advice on protecting gardens, call the Crime Prevention Unit on 020 8284 8998.