Protect all your property, including
sheds and outbuildings
Police in South Cumbria are urging
people to think about the security of their outbuildings and allotments after a
recent spate of burglaries.
Crime Prevention Officers are
reminding residents to be proactive in securing all aspects of their property
and not to forget about those buildings which are outside and potentially
vulnerable.
Those areas which have been targeted
include Kirkbarrow, Gillingate, Captain French Lane and other residential estates.
Also the Castle Haggs allotments have been subjected to break-ins.
Terry Belshaw, Crime Prevention
Officer for South Cumbria, said: “We have had a recent spate of shed burglaries
in the South Cumbria area.
“It is important for our communities
to know that we are working to tackle this issue and want people think about
the security of all areas of their property.
“Investment in a good sturdy lock
can be a deterrent for any opportunistic thief, who would be reluctant to try
and break through the lock.
“Consider what you keep in your shed
or garage, items such as bicycles, power tools and gardening equipment are all
items that are ideal for thieves as they are easy to remove and sell on. Ensure
that property is secured and try and mark appropriately using a Smartwater or
Selectamark system.
“We also encourage anyone to report
any suspicious behaviour, especially in allotment areas. People who are at
their allotment will recognise those who are normally there. However, anyone
who is acting suspicious could be scouting out the area for potential weak
points. By reporting this and making the police aware can help to detect crime.
“Basic security of all areas of your
property will be a strong and effective deterrent to would-be criminals.”
Tips for securing your property
include the following:
- Keep
your property in a secure garage or shed out of view and keep the door
locked. Use a good quality lock or padlock and consider using at least 2
different locking devices.
- Secure
items to an immovable object, or consider installing a ground or wall
mounted anchor.
- Place
door hinges on the inside
- Replace
screw fastenings with bolts
- Restrict
visibility into the shed by curtains/blackout
·
Shed and garage alarms can also help
to provide additional security and can be purchased from most local hardware /
DIY stores.
·
Postcode all property and consider
purchasing a coding/ marking kit such as Smartwater or Selectamark for more
expensive items such as power tools.
- Always
put tools and equipment away - items left outside could be stolen or used
to help a thief break in.
- Disable
lawn mowers and other large machinery when not in use and chain items
together to a solid anchor point.
- Record
details of your property (make, model, serial number and identifying
marks) and take photographs of items for easy identification.
- Keep
hedges and fences well maintained to stop unwanted visitors entering your
garden.
- Close
your garden gate and lock it from the inside.
- Consider/investigate
CCTV either outside covering approach and activity, or inside for
recognition. There are battery operated disguised cameras available
- If
considering putting a shed in your garden, always be sure that the door
faces the house windows.
- If
the shed is in the garden, consider security lighting to operate if
someone is tampering with the shed.
Terry adds: “Remember, it is the
responsibility of the owner to ensure that their property is as secure as can
be. If it is easy for the thief to steal then they will take the
opportunity!
“Make it difficult, make it hard,
make it noisy, the more difficult it is for the thief, the less likely they are
to continue and the more likely they will leave important evidence, which may
well lead to an arrest and conviction.”
For further crime prevention advice
and information contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team or the Community
Safety Team on 101, or visit the Constabulary website at www.cumbria.police.uk.
