Shedding Light on Garden Security
| Published: 9th May 2008 00:03 |
Shed and garage owners beware! Check your garden security because the month of May means creeper burglars could be on the way.
Annual statistics always show a marked increase in shed and garage break-ins at the start of summer. For householders the fine weather means more gardening or outdoor pursuits. But burglars see it is as a time to stock up on items they can quickly sell to raise cash.
"Don't make life easy for the creeper thieves and always hide away easy-to-steal items if you are not using them." Basildon crime reduction officer Mick Armstrong
Basildon crime reduction officer Mick Armstrong urged householders to ensure that outbuildings were protected with strong padlocks and covered by security lights.
He said:" People often refer to the contents of sheds as mainly a lot of old rubbish. But experience has taught us that petty thieves will rummage through your ‘rubbish' for things they can sell locally, on the internet or through boot sales. And the upset caused by a burglary is often out of all proportion to the monetary loss.
Avoid tempting thieves
"To avoid tempting these thieves you should ensure that your shed or garage doors are fitted with a good quality padlock which are difficult to force and also act as a deterrent.
"Garden buildings also benefit from being covered by security lighting units which turn on whenever they detect movement within the area. These units are an invaluable investment for any garden.
"Solar lighting units which store energy during the day and turn on from dusk to dawn are also useful for lighting areas where burglars might try lurking."
Lock away
Mr Armstrong also urged people to always lock away bikes, children's games, tools, garden furniture and any other valuables used in gardens during the day.
For more advice on garden security contact your local neighbourhood specialist officer or Mr Armstrong at Basildon police station on 0300 333 4444.
By Bill Stock
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