This is the time of year when we start to think about getting back into the garden. The daffodils are coming through and other plants are starting to bud out. The lawn needs cutting and the fences repainting.
You might be tempted to replace old gardening tools and equipment with new more modern items.
Unfortunately, this is the time of year thieves are most likely to target sheds, garages and out buildings to steal your new goods to make a quick profit.
Therefore we advise you to take some simple crime prevention measures to help reduce the likelihood of you becoming a victim of crime.
These simple steps include:
• Maintain hedges and fences to prevent unwanted visitors entering your garden
• Invest in a decent quality padlock for your shed and make sure the wood it’s attached to is sound
• If you don’t have one, consider having a security light fitted on the rear of your property, which will be triggered by anyone approaching the house, garage or shed
• Store any valuable items out of sight in the shed or garage by covering any windows or, with particularly high value goods, keep them inside your house
• Make sure your shed is secure, that there are no panels which could be easily damaged and fit a good quality alarm. A good shed alarm can cost less than £10
• Store bins and ladders carefully so they cannot be used as climbing aids.
• Consider securing items such as ladders, bikes or large power tools in your shed by chaining them to a strong anchor point.
• Put all your tools securely away once they are finished with. Don’t supply the thief the tools to steal your own property.
• Planting bushes with prickly leaves or thorns close to any entry points could deter a potential thief, but make sure they don’t grow too high. A gravel pathway or driveway can also act as a good deterrent.
• Consider using anti-climb paint or prikka-strips with appropriate warning signs on boundary walls and fences.
• Take photographs, record serial numbers and consider registering valuables on a property database such as www.immobilise.com
Thieves and burglars are mostly opportunists and seek out the easiest target. Don’t let yourself be caught out. Protect your home and property before its too late. Better to keep everything safe than be sorry.
