Thieves are specifically targeting bicycles – and it is thought they could be tracking bike owners back to their homes using data shared on keep-fit phone apps such as Strava.
Shottermill, where 36 sheds and garages have been broken into this year, and Hindhead, where there has been a further 16 burglaries, are the areas worst affected.
Inspector Sam Adcock said: “We really want to get the message out to people, to check their shed security.
“Can you fit a second padlock, can you put up motion sensor lights or install a Ring doorbell nearby?”
Insp Adcock added officers currently have no leads, and so are asking the public to report any suspicious behaviour – in the areas they live, but also online.
“Please keep an eye out for anyone suspicious trying to sell bikes on places like Facebook Marketplace, and call us on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Insp Adcock said officers have been busy trying to track down the culprits since first noticing a spike in thefts in January, “but need help”.
She continued: “We’d also ask people to be careful about putting their cycle routes on to certain apps that can help thieves track you right back to your home address.
“People who share their routes online are more likely to have a more expensive bike, and thieves know it.”