Community safety chiefs are urging householders to get ‘sheducated’ this summer – and beat the garden thieves.
The Safer Hambleton Community Safety Hub have re-issued a leaflet giving tips on how to weed out thieves and prevent thefts from sheds and gardens.
“Summer brings with it an increase in the number of burglaries and thefts from sheds, garages and gardens,” said Gina Allen, Safer Hambleton Co-ordinator.
“Unlocked doors as well as unattended items for the garden and home give thieves an easy opportunity to walk in and take anything left lying around. Gardens need attending, children want bikes and toys out and people find themselves in and out of the shed or garage on a regular basis – unfortunately this often leads to a number of crimes where tools or other items maybe left lying about. They are easy pickings.”
The SHEDUCATE message is:
- Secure the access to your garden area by locking gates and using thorny bushes
- Have contents of the shed visibly marked as yours
- External security lights should be activated
- Doors and windows of sheds and outbuildings should be secure
- Use coach bolts or non-return screws to secure hinges and fastenings
- Chain cycles, mowers, ladders and tools to strong anchorage points in sheds
- Alarms for sheds and outbuildings should be used.
- Together we’ll crack crime – join Neighbourhood Watch or Countrywatch Schemes
- Examine insurance policies for cover from garden and outbuildings.