Break-ins in Aberdeen have seen a surge for the first time in three years – rising by nearly 25% – but more of the offenders are being caught.

Figures obtained by the Evening Express show there were 1,030 break-ins and attempted break-ins last year up until the end of November.

The previous year saw 827 incidents, which was the lowest in five years.

But information from Police Scotland’s North-east Division shows it is an increase in sheds being targeted – not homes or commercial premises – and officers are catching more of the criminals to bring them to justice.

Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Walker said: “The significant reduction in housebreakings across North-east Division experienced in 2015 compared to previous years continues with 2016 showing that the level of reduction has been maintained and month on month numbers are reducing. Detection rates continue to increase.

“Break-ins to commercial premises have been reduced by 10% compared to 2015 and is at its lowest level in five years.

“We acknowledge that there has been an increase in break-ins to sheds and garages across the division and householders are encouraged to ensure that their shed and garages are secure and their property is security marked and photographed.”

Type your postcode into the search box below to find the figures for your area.

In 2011 a total of 1,271 housebreakings and attempted housebreakings took place in the Granite City.

Housebreakings is the term used to apply to break-ins to properties and includes shops and sheds among others.

Apart from in 2013 – where the number rose from 1,144 to 1,181 – incidents continued to fall until last year.

Figures for Aberdeenshire and Moray stand in stark contrast to the city, with instances dropping or remaining at a steady level. In Aberdeenshire last year there were 478 incidents, which was just 15 higher than in 2015 and 290 lower than in 2013.

Moray saw 158 break-ins and attempted break-ins in 2016 up until November, down from 169 in 2015.

Councillor Martin Greig, chairman of the Aberdeen Community Safety Partnership, blamed targeted efforts on “hardened criminals” and called for tougher sentences.

He said: “Even though police do their best, the court system is not always helpful by imposing lenient sentences on convicted criminals.

“It’s possible that the rise is down to concerted efforts by a small group of hardened criminals.

“When thieves are behind bars the unwelcome impact on people is removed for some time.

“The period in which offenders are in prison can be too short and they get out and re-offend.”

Figures reveal the AB24 postcode zone, which includes Seaton and Tillydrone, had the biggest number recorded over the five years – 1,240.

Although last year’s number of 190 was fewer than the 263 in 2012, it was an increase of 39 in 2015.

The next highest recorded incidents was in the AB16 area, which includes Northfield, Sheddocksley and Mastrick.

A total of 946 break-ins and attempted break-ins were recorded over the five years. In third place was the AB11 postcode area, with 829 over the five years.

Fireworx Scotland’s premises at Burghmuir Circle in Inverurie was broken into earlier this year.

Those responsible smashed their way into a safe and around £4,000 was taken, along with CCTV equipment.

Mark Copland, owner of Fireworx, said the effects of the break-in went beyond the loss of cash.

He said: “To be perfectly honest the money doesn’t affect me, it’s the inconvenience.

“It’s going to cost me another £4,000 to replace the safe and CCTV and repairs.

“My 12-year-old son is now thinking somebody’s going to come and take my Jeep every night.

“That’s the real issue for me.”

Crimestoppers’ national manager for Scotland Angela Parker said break-ins often left victims feeling aftereffects.

“Housebreaking can leave victims feeling shocked, scared and violated and despite it being one of the most common types of crimes the impact is not just physical but also emotional,” she said.