Summer reminder to lock up sheds and outbuildings

RESIDENTS are being reminded to lock up their sheds and outbuildings as they get their gardens ready for the summer.

 

Garden sheds and garages can be a treasure trove for thieves with bikes, lawnmowers, tools and equipment running into thousands of pounds.

The Community Safety Partnership, which includes the police and council, is urging people to look at their summer security as part of its ‘Think Safe, Home Safe’ campaign.

Community safety officer PC Rob Chapman said: “It’s important that people not only look to improve the security of their sheds, but also any other outbuildings they have where they store any kind of tools and equipment.

“We want to encourage residents to take few simple steps to increase their security and hopefully avoid becoming a potential victim of crime.”

Here are some ideas that you may be able to use to increase your security:

• Cover windows with a curtain etc

• Lay gravel around the door area

• Fit bars on the inside of windows

• Consider using extra internal bolts that drop into the floor for up and over garage doors

• If you have wooden doors, check the hinges and fixings are secure

• Fit a quality padlock and hasp

• Consider fitting a security light that has a built in sensor

• Consider fitting a garage / shed alarm – no wires and can be fitted in about five minutes

• Always lock your garage and when possible keep the doors closed

• Security mark all your property, use engravers or punches to mark your postcode and surname

• Use property marking pens on other types of property, for example, bikes, lawnmowers, strimmers, hand tools, electrical tools, patio and garden furniture

For further information or advice please contact the community safety department by calling 101.