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They have included both daytime and evening break-ins where shed and garden tools have been used by the offenders in three burglaries to gain access to the properties. The remaining offences involved offenders gaining access to properties by damaging the rear windows.
Most burglars are opportunistic and a property that presents itself as insecure is far more likely to be targeted than one which is properly secured. We would like residents to remain extra vigilant and to please consider the following crime prevention advice:
- Make sure you securely lock all windows and doors
- Ensure that your side gate is secure, locked and not easy to climb over
- Securely lock all tools in a shed or garage and keep them out of sight, as these can be used by thieves to force entry into your property
- Consider using prickly plants as an effective way to deter someone trying to climb over your gate or fence to gain access to your garden
- Ensure there are no loose paving stones or bricks lying around in your garden
- Do not leave ladders in your garden, lock them away in your shed
- Consider fitting security lighting and a burglar alarm
- Ensure you check your home security, when leaving your home and before going to bed
- Keep your shed in good condition
- Fit a closed shackle padlock to the door
- Fittings should be bolted through the door and any screws concealed
- It is easy to unscrew the ironmongery, steal contents and in some cases replace the screws to make it look as if the shed has not been tampered with
- By using tamper proof screws or coach bolts, together with a good quality pad bar or hasp and staple and close shackled padlock, the shed owner will make it harder for the would-be thief.
- Bond any window glass in with mastic to prevent easy removal. Fit grilles or mesh to windows to slow down the thief.
- Ensure all equipment and tools are locked away when not in use
- Install a shed alarm
- Post-code or mark all property such as lawnmowers, bikes, and tools using ultraviolet pens, forensic marking such as Selecta DNA, Smartwater or engravers.
- Install security lighting as a deterrent, and plants such as thorny shrubs to act as a barrier at potential access points
- If building a shed, put it where it is most visible to you and neighbours
- Ensure ladders are locked to a secure fixture in the shed or garage so they can’t be used to reach top floor windows
- Chain large items such as bicycles together, making it much more difficult for a thief to carry away
- Fit a wire cage inside the shed where more expensive items can be locked away.
If you don't want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.
