Fishing tackle thieves are breaking in to garden sheds to steal expensive angling equipment, police have warned today.

Anglers across the Black Country are now being advised to be on guard for opportunist burglars -  who could even be following them back from fishing pools.

Keen anglers from Walsall are among those to have been hit with three sheds broken into for fishing equipment this month already.

All three of the victims use Beechdale fishing pool leading to fears they could be linked.

Police are investigating the thefts but have today issued advice to anglers to try and prevent more thefts.

The news comes after the Express & Star reported an increase in the number of adults and youths getting involved in the pastime.

The first shed break-in took place on June 16 in Bloxwich Lane, Beechdale, where a back garden shed was forced open and £5,000 of fishing equipment was taken.

On the night of July 2, a shed was broken into in Priestley Road, Beechdale and £400 of fishing rods, an umbrella and basket were stolen.

Thieves also smashed into a shed in Beddows Road, Coalpool, on the night of July 3 and stole more than £1,000 off fishing equipment, including a Gear Patriot bait boat worth more than £300, rods, reels, and an umbrella.

Pc Richard Jackson, from Bloxwich police station, said: “We are investigating the thefts and appealing for anyone with information about any of the incidents to contact us.

“We advise people who keep expensive items in sheds and garages to consider using alarms and security lighting to put off opportunist thieves and make sure their equipment is property marked.”

The Express & Star reported last month that numbers at a police-led fishing initiative for youngsters in Walsall have rocketed from about 30 five years ago to 120 now.

Organisers of a fishing club for anglers living near the pool off Heathfield Lane West in Darlaston have also reported a rise in numbers of people trying their hand at catching fish.

Anyone with information can contact police at Bloxwich on 0345 113 5000.