Monday, June 29, 2009

Appeal to drivers over caravan theft

Motorists on the A19 may be able to help detectives investigating the theft of a caravan from its owner's garden.
The caravan, valued at £20,000, was taken from a house in the Seaton Lane area of Seaham, in the early hours of Saturday. But while thieves were able to disconnect it from its charger, efforts to break off its wheel lock failed, leading police to believe it would have attracted people's attention as it was pulled away. Marks have been left on the road leading to the A19 northbound and the carriageway itself, and it is likely there would have been smoke from the wheels as the caravan moved along the road. Police hope people who spotted it in transit will pass on information to officers. The caravan was recovered from a street in West Rainton that afternoon after a woman contacted Northumbria Police to report a man acting suspiciously. Two men, one in his 20s and another in his 50s, were arrested and have been bailed pending further inquiries. Inspector Vince Addison, of Seaham Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "It's down to the vigilance of residents and their help in relation to his stolen caravan that it has been recovered and we have arrested two men."Inquiries are continuing, but I would urge anyone else with information to get in touch."Contact Durham Constabulary on 0345 60 60 365 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

(Reproduced from the Sunderland Echo, 22nd June)

GARDIEN TIP: Protect vehicles in your garden by the use of security bollards. See advice and solutions at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/security-bollards.aspx

Monday, June 22, 2009

THEFT OF PEDAL CYCLES FROM SHED - SWANLAND ROAD, HESSLE

INFORMATION is sought as to the whereabouts of two pedal cycles stolen from a shed at an address in Swanland Road, Hessle.
The theft occurred some time between midnight and 6.30am on Thursday 18 June. Entry was gained to the garden via an alleyway and the shed was then entered and two gents bicycles were taken. Both cycles were secured to the shed floor using an anchor bar, chains and locks that were all removed by the thief. The stolen cycles are a gents Kona "Shred" mountain cycle in grey and a gents black BMX "Fit Street". Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area overnight, or who knows the current whereabouts of the stolen bicycles, is asked to contact Humberside Police on 0845 60 60 222 referring to crime number 1682410.

(Reproduced from the Beverley Guardian, 22nd June)

GARDIEN TIP: Clearly an effort had been made to secure the bicycles but it proved to be inadequate against a determined thief. The shed itself was not strong enough and a metal shed should be considered (http://www.garden-security.co.uk/Steel-Storage-Unit.aspx). The chain and locks must have been quite easy to break - the recommended solution is a Shed Shackle package as at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/shed-shackle-pack.aspx

Consumer Insight - Garden Crime

Our gardens are one of our greatest passions. We spend billions of pounds every year on bringing them into bloom. With garden crime on the increase, we look at how to improve your security – and also how surprisingly dangerous gardens can be!
Some 83% of the UK population has a garden and around £5 billion is spent every year on flowers, plants, gardening tools & equipment and other outdoor items.
Approximately 300,000 people visit A&E wards in the UK every year following an accident in their garden.
Garden crime is a growing problem with around 1 in 8 owners suffering theft from their gardens – a quarter of these thefts are from garden sheds. Top of the list for theft are bicycles, followed by plants, lawnmowers, tools and garden furniture.
Most garden thefts are opportunistic, but burglars will target sheds and garages and everything from expensive potted plants to outdoor gas heaters and barbeques. And they don’t stop there – gnomes, gates, paving slabs, tiles, gloves and even fish from ponds are some of the more unusual items burgled. It’s easy to leave items out in the garden when it’s a natural extension of your home, but there are various measures you can take to make your garden more secure and less attractive to thieves:
Ensure your back gate is properly secured and kept locked
Add trellis to fences to make them more difficult to climb
Make back boundaries more secure by introducing prickly hedges such as hawthorn
Don’t give thieves anywhere to hide at the front of your house. The police recommend hedges at the front of your house are a maximum height of 90cm
Lock up tools in a secure shed or garage
Use loose gravel on your paths – it’s noisy when walked on
Include your garage or shed on your house alarm
Install security lights for your garden
Secure ladders or large tools with chains to walls
Fit grilles to garage or shed windows and use blinds or curtains to hide
Fix hanging baskets out of reach or secure the rim to the bracket
Cement garden tubs in place or bolt them down through their drainage
Remove labels from valuable plants
Put your postcode on anything valuable – try an ultraviolet pen.
Customise your tools with a dab of paint – it makes them harder to sell
Check your insurance policy to ensure it covers possessions left outside the family home.

(Reproduced from allianz.co.uk web site, 21st June)

GARDIEN TIP: All good advice - a lot more of the same plus a host of solutions can be found at www.garden-security.co.uk

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Autistic boy distraught at cruel flag collection theft

A YOUNG boy who suffers from autism was devastated after his beloved collection of flags was stolen.
Finn Gillespie has built up a collection of 40 flags, which he puts up every morning and takes down each night, as part of a routine.
Mum Emily said it helped her beloved seven-year-old son cope while his dad an Army doctor, is away serving in Afghanistan.
Mrs Gillespie, who lives in Catterick Garrison, today appealed for anyone who knows where the flags are to hand them in to the Royal Military Police.
She said the theft of Finn’s beloved collection had badly affected his daily routine as well as leaving him upset at their loss.
Mrs Gillespie said: “My little boy is devastated, it is absolutely heartbreaking.
“Every morning, he puts them up on flag poles in the garden, which are attached to his castle-shaped climbing frame.
“He takes them down in the evening and puts them in a box, which he calls his office. This is left outside, and is probably visible from the road. He woke up crying in the middle of the night on Sunday, saying the flags had been stolen, and sure enough, he was right.”
Mrs Gillespie said she was not seeking any sort of punishment against the thief, merely asking for the flags to be returned for Finn.
She said: “The flags are his pride and joy, and watching them fluttering in the breeze really helps calm him down.
“He is absolutely lost without them, and has definitely been disturbed by the incident . . . it will really rock his world.
“He keeps asking when the flags will be coming back, and I just don’t know how to answer him. I’m not cross with whoever took them, I just want them back.”
If anyone knows where the flags are, they are asked to contact the Royal Military Police in Richmond Road, Catterick Garrison, on 01748-872876.

(Reproduced from The Sunday Sun, 21st June)

GARDIEN TIP: A secure storage unit could prove very cost-effective when then flags are returned. See http://www.garden-security.co.uk/AsgardUniversal.aspx

Joao’s upset over trampoline theft in Swindon

A NINE-year-old boy had his trampoline stolen from his back garden.
Joao Riberio used to use the 12ft toy every day in his garden in Godolphin close, Freshbrook.
On Saturday evening the £130 trampoline was stolen in the latest of a series of break-ins at the property.
Joao’s uncle Abel, who lives with him and Joao’s mother Maria, said: “I felt very angry. They don’t have any respect — they are just vandals.
“Joao was very sad — he used to jump on the trampoline every day.”
Mr Ribeiro, 40, said the family had suffered a series of break-ins since Swindon Council removed trees at Uxbridge Road playground, which backs onto his property.
The trees were removed by council officers because their roots were damaging play surfaces and it was felt they made the area too secluded.
However, Mr Ribeiro said teenagers had been hanging around behind his back garden since the renovation in February last year. He said the teenagers frequently climbed over his back wall to retrieve footballs and threw stones and rubbish into his garden.
Two bikes were also stolen and a back garden gate was broken twice, Mr Ribeiro said, and on another occasion a fence in the garden was set alight.
In a letter to Swndon Council’s chief executive, Mr Ribeiro complained the council had made him a prisoner in his own house because of his fear he would be burgled if he went on holiday.
He added neighbours had faced similar problems and had agreed with his opinion that the trees should not have been removed.
A Swindon Council spokesman said Mr Ribeiro had written to residents, including Mr Ribeiro, to ask for comments about the proposal to rennovate the play area.
The spokesman added: “The play area had to be refurbished for safety reasons because the previous equipment, which was made of wood, had reached the end of its life.
“The newly refurbished play area opened on 27 February last year and the work cost around £30,000.
“We are aware of Mr Ribeiro’s concerns and have met with him at the site, although his only complaints to us at the time were about the play area itself. We’re not aware of any complaints to us from other residents.”
A Swindon Police spokesman was unavailable for comment.

(Reproduced from the Swindon Advertiser, June 21st)

GARDIEN TIP: Items of value should be Property Marked. See the advice at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/retrieval.aspx?sec=pm

Exeter nursery school toys theft

THIEVES have broken into a city pre-school and stolen dozens of toys.
The culprits are thought to have jumped over the fence surrounding the garden area of Tic Tocs Day Nursery in Haldon Road, St David's, and ransacked the building.
They left many of the toys scattered around the car park but made off with many of the children's favourite playthings, including two tricycles, a toy pushchair and a toy wheelbarrow.
Tic Tocs manager Maddie Smale said: "Neighbours think they saw a group of men jump over the fence.
"Someone discovered the toys all over the car park and the neighbours threw some of them back over the fence.
"We called the police and they came in and had a chat with the children. They have also helped us improve security measures."
The nursery, which has 76 children, has now marked all of its toys with special UV pens; it has better locks on the windows and safety stickers; and has put security paint on the fence.
Ms Smale said: "This is the first time we have had a break in but the neighbours say there are often people mucking about in the car park.
"It is disgusting that someone will take toys from children. One of the parents has been very kind and brought in little toys from her home."
Pre-school room leader Vicki Matthews said: "It was a very unpleasant thing to happen and it was unkind to the children because now they have got no equipment to play with.
"The kids were sad and a few did get really upset. The community police have come here every day to reinforce safety measures and spoke to children about how the keep their stuff safe."
Lily Chase, four, who attends the nursery, said: "I am sad because someone has stolen our bikes — a naughty boy has stolen them away."
Callum Holder, four, said: "I want the toys back. I was sad because these nasty people took our bikes."
The red tricycles which were stolen are worth £80 each and are red with black seats and handlebars, and made by Pelikan Design.
The theft occurred some time between 6pm on Friday, June 12, and 7am on Monday, June 15.
Police say they currently have no suspects. Anyone who has any information about the incident should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 quoting DE/09/6582.

(Reproduced from thisisexeter.co.uk, 20th June)

GARDIEN TIP: Secure storage of toys and equipment is recommended. See the advice at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/shed-outbuilding-security.aspx and for maximum security go to http://www.garden-security.co.uk/Steel-Storage-Unit.aspx

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Brothers bemused by theft of children's trampoline

AN astonished mum has blasted thieves who stole her children’s trampoline from the garden of their Coatbridge home.
Leanne Boulton called the theft “pointless” and says sons Ryan, six, and Callum, four, have been left disappointed by the loss of the outdoor apparatus.
The family were stunned to find that the trampoline, complete with bulky seven-foot surrounding enclosure, had been taken from the back garden of their house in Croy Road.
It happened overnight on May 19, with the family waking to discover that the bulky item had somehow been carted away while they slept.
Leanne said: “We couldn’t believe it had disappeared. The enclosure is seven feet tall and I really don’t know how on earth they’ve done it.
“Somehow it’s been ripped clear of its lines, but it must still have taken quite a few people to be able to move it.
“It’s past belief, and I just don’t understand why anybody would want to do it, especially with the effort involved – it isn’t worth it and it seems a pretty pointless theft.
“Ryan and Callum are pretty gutted and don’t really get it. They just know that the bad men have taken their trampoline. It really is such a pointless crime and I don’t get why or how anyone would have done this.”
Police are looking for assistance from witnesses or anyone who has information on the theft, and are asking them to call Coatbridge police office on 01236 502000 or free and anonymous hotline Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

(Reproduced from the Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser, June 17th)

GARDIEN TIP: Use Property Marking on all major items to deter thieves - it is very cost-effective. See http://www.garden-security.co.uk/retrieval.aspx?sec=pm

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Dog stolen from garden in Melton

Police are appealing for information following the theft of a dog from a property in Melton Mowbray.
The incident occurred between 8am and 5.50pm on Friday June 12, 2009 when Oscar, a 3-year-old lurcher and greyhound cross, was stolen from his kennel.
The thieves forced open the back gate and took Oscar leaving three other dogs behind from the garden on Firwood Road.
Oscar is described as black in colour with a white patch underneath his tail.
PC Pete Starbuck, who is investigating the theft, said: "Oscar's owner has been left devastated at his loss and I would appeal to anyone who knows of his whereabouts or has any information regarding the incident to please contact us.
“If you saw any anyone acting suspicious in the area or know someone who recently acquired a dog matching Oscar’s description in suspicious circumstances, please get in touch.”
Anyone who has any information is asked to contact PC 842 Pete Starbuck on Leicester (0116) 222 2222, follow the instructions to leave a message for a police officer and when prompted key in the officer's identification number 0842. Alternatively call Crimestoppers, which is free and anonymous, on 0800 555 111

(Reproduced from InLoughborough, June 16th)

GARDIEN TIP: Use a Microchip on your animal to aid recovery. Also improve the security of access to your garden by following the advice at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/garden-crime-prevention.aspx

POLICE PROBE THEFT OF FISHING EQUIPMENT

POLICE are carrying out enquiries after £800 worth of fishing equipment was stolen during a break-in to a garden shed in Kirriemuir's Lindsay Street in Angus, Scotland, overnight Monday into Tuesday.
The rear garden shed was targeted some time between 10.45 pm on Monday and 11.30 pm on Tuesday morning. A green fishing rucksack was taken, which contained various reels and a large number of flies and lures. Anyone with information that could lead to their recovery should call Tayside Police on 0300 111 2222, or speak to any officer.

(Reproduced from the Kirriemuir Herald, June 17th)

GARDIEN TIP: There is much free advice and high quality products are available at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/shed-outbuilding-security.aspx

Police seek information on garden theft in Holyhead

POLICE are asking for information after garden ornaments were stolen in Holyhead.
Officers are appealing for anyone who may have been the victim of theft where garden ornaments have been stolen to get in touch with them.
Between late evening on Friday May 8 and early hours of Saturday May 9 a 19-year-old man was found in Holyhead area under suspicious circumstances.
A number of garden ornaments were found to be in his possession and he was arrested on suspicion of theft.
He is now on police bail pending further enquiries.
Officers believe the ornaments were stolen from a garden in the Morawelon area of the town.
However no reports of such a theft have been made to the police.
A North Wales Police spokeswoman said if anybody has been the victim of crime and may not yet have reported the matter they are asked to contact PC 2578 Gerallt Jones at Holyhead Police Station on 0845 607 1001 (Welsh language line) or 0845 607 1002 (English language line).
Alternatively people can text a message to 66767 or email northwalespolice@ north-wales.police.uk.

(Reproduced from the Daily POst North Wales, June 17th)

GARDIEN TIP: Use Property Marking on all items of value and put up warning notices about this to deter opportunist thieves. See what's available at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/retrieval.aspx?sec=pm

Caution for homeowners as garden thefts expected to rise this summer.

HomeQuoteDirect would like to caution homeowners about the growing threat that they face this summer with garden theft. HomeQuoteDirect would like to ask that homeowners be vigilant this summer with securing their shed and garden items.
Garden theft is a growing problem in the UK. The threat of garden theft is highest between March and August. This summer, it is expected that 3 million Britons will fall victim to garden theft. Unfortunately, many Britons purchase tools and other garden items of value and do nothing to protect their goods from being vulnerable to garden theft.
A common misconception amongst Britons is that they don’t expect to be a victim of theft, as well as being prone to other damage such as vandalism or weathering damage. Some of the most notorious areas for garden theft in the UK are in the north of the UK.
Not all household policies cover garden loss, damage or theft. It is up to the individual to check with their broker to ensure that you have adequate cover for your garden tools, equipment and stored items. HomeQuoteDirect also provides household insurance policies that adequately cover your garden against loss, theft or damage.
Some types of theft and damage that is common include:
• Garden stripping – whereby people (particularly rogue landscapers) steal and resell plundered assets to unsuspecting clients. Cases can be so extreme that people have returned home to find their entire garden and furnishings removed.
• Garden property vandalism – People damaging the contents within your garden.
• Shed contents theft – Whereby people break-in to steal valuable items. (Usually bikes or power tools.)
Common items that are targeted include:
• Barbecues
• Bicycles
• Power tools
• Garden ornaments (such as garden gnomes)
• Lawn
• Furniture
Some precautionary measures that homeowners can take during this summer include:• Installing security lighting in your garden to deter thieves.
• Installing a sensor alarm to alert neighbours or authorities against trespassers.
• Use a pen or engrave identification onto your valuable goods in case of theft.
• Improve the secure latching on your shed or valuable items.
It would be ideal to take out a policy on your garden contents. Typically, garden policies will cover:
• Theft
• Fire
• Storm/flood damage
• Malicious damage
• Accidental damage
• Damage by wild animals
• Branches
A HomeQuoteDirect’s household insurance policy will usually provide you with basic garden cover, however you may need to adjust your cover to specific items that are in your garden. The basic garden policy can cover you for up to 15% of your value.

(Reproduced from HomeQuoteDirect.co.uk 16th June)

GARDIEN TIP: Work out the true value of your garden contents using the Inventory at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/inventory.aspx and then follow the insurance advice at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/garden-insurance.aspx

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Crime round-up - garden equipment targeted by thieves in West London

GARDEN equipment was targeted by thieves over the weekend.
A Stihl chainsaw and strimmer were stolen alongside a Honda lawnmower and generator from a barn in Hammersley Lane, Penn sometime between Friday and Saturday.
A leaf blower and a child's battery operated quad bike were also taken in the raid.
Thieves forced the main door of a storage unit in Golf Club Lane, Whiteleaf, near Princes Risborough and stole a strimmer, a small Mountford rotary mower and two petrol cans containing five litres of fuel between Thursday and noon on Friday.
Meanwhile, the occupants of a property in Redland End, Speen returned home to find a man attempting to steal a garden strimmer from their garage on Friday afternoon.
The thief escaped. A man was later found and arrested while a second man was also arrested and a vehicle confiscated by police.

(Reproduced from thisislocallondon.co.uk 15th June)

GARDIEN TIP: Protect your sheds and outbuildings by following the advice at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/shed-outbuilding-security.aspx

Friday, June 12, 2009

Bronze statue stolen from castle

A statue of the Roman god Mercury worth tens of thousands of pounds has been stolen from a famous Highland stately home.
The 6ft bronze of the “winged messenger of the gods”, which has graced the walled garden at Dunrobin Castle near Golspie in Sutherland for decades, disappeared from its plinth.
The theft was discovered by gardener Iain Crisp, of Dunrobin, who was working near the plinth.
The statue, which dates back to around 1826, was stolen some time between 3.30pm on Tuesday and 2pm on Wednesday. It is estimated to be worth between £20,000-£30,000, weighs 970lb and is a work by the Italian sculptor Giambolgna.
Castle general manager Scott Morrison said: “We are obviously very disappointed by the theft of this much-loved statue. For many years it has been on display in the castle’s gardens for the pleasure of the many visitors we have here, and it is a great shame that our trust and their enjoyment has been abused in such a way.”
Security at the castle has now been stepped up. An antique bronze sundial was stolen from the garden in October, 2007.
Mr Morrison said: “It would have taken more than one person to move the statue. One of the first things we did was report it to the National Theft Register.
“The gardens are locked at night and we couldn’t see where anyone had broken in. There will now be extra security for the whole of the castle grounds as a result of this theft. I don’t think anyone would be silly enough to try and sell it for scrap.”
The classic statue depicts a nude Mercury with wings on his heels and head, in flight with his arm outstretched skywards and holding a caduceus, or herald’s staff, entwined with two serpents, in his left hand. Scrap-metal yards in the Highlands estimated scrap value for bronze of the statue’s weight would be £440 to £800.
A spokesman for Northern Constabulary said: “We want to hear from anyone who may have seen or heard anyone acting suspiciously around the castle’s walled garden. This could include any sturdy vehicle capable of carrying an object of that weight and size.”
Dunrobin Castle was open to the public as usual yesterday. Police have urged anyone with information on the theft to contact them on 01862 810222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

(Reproduced from the Aberdeen Press and Journal, 12th June)

GARDIEN TIP: Never under-estimate what can become a target for the criminal fraternity - size and weight are rarely a barrier for the professional thief. See the advice at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/garden-antiques-security.aspx

Police raise garden security concerns

POLICE in Hartlepool are asking residents to think about garden security after a spate of ornamental thefts from front gardens.
PC Steve Cranston, crime prevention officer for the Safer Hartlepool Partnership, is advising residents that they need to secure any items that can be stolen.
He said: "Whilst crime is continuing to fall, we want to tell people ways in which they can prevent themselves from becoming victims of crime.
"We have noticed an increase in the number of thefts of ornaments, pots and decorative items from the fronts of properties.
"The thieves would have had to use a vehicle to transport these items, so we would ask residents to be vigilant."
Anyone with information about the theft of garden items is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 01642-326326.

(Reproduced from the Northern Echo, 11th June)

GARDIEN TIP: All the advice you need and a host of solutions can be found at www.garden-security.co.uk

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Crime rises in Cambuslang as temperature soars

THE recent good weather has meant a rise in crime in the Cambuslang area over recent weeks.
At their most recent meeting, Cambuslang Community Council were told that the lighter nights and warmer weather are resulting in more crimes being detected and reported to the police.
And officers have warned the public to be vigilant, especially if they are having a barbecue or have left their garden shed open.
“With more people using their gardens with the better weather, we’re also finding there’s been more thefts of barbecues from gardens, etc, and with people leaving their back doors open, there’s more opportunities for thieves as well.
“We’ve found the people are setting their barbecues up, and in some cases leaving their garden sheds open, and when they’ve gone back inside some thieves are taking advantage of this. With back doors being left open, they are being targeted too.
“We’re going round door to door, and we would urge local people to be more vigilant.”

(Reproduced from the Rutherglen Informer, June 10th)

GARDIEN TIP: All items of any reasonable value should be Property Marked and sheds should be made as secure as possible. There is a full range of advice and solutions at www.garden-security.co.uk

Keep contents in the open covered

With summer fast approaching more and more of us are spending time in the garden.
While the fresh air might be doing us good, Cheshire Building Society is reminding people to make sure their belongings are insured to avoid disappointment in the event they are damaged or stolen. "Many homeowners regularly leave items out in the garden overnight and garden theft increased considerably in the summer moths last year, so it's important to review your insurance policy to make sure you've got adequate cover," said Karen Torson, product manager at Cheshire Building Society. "Many people automatically assume they're covered when they take a policy out, but this isn't always the case and it can leave people feeling hugely let down by their insurance providers if their claim is not met in full or, worse still, declined."Cheshire Building Society's home contents insurance covers items in the garden, such as patio furniture, trampolines, slides, swings, even washing left out on the line up to £750. The policy also covers loss or damage to plants and shrubs up to £1,000 and as more of us are having a go at growing our own, providing the area is situated on land belonging to the home, the policy covers vegetables."It's always great to enjoy the sunshine", said Karen, "but it's better when you have peace of mind that if your plants or furniture in the garden should get damaged or go missing, they can be replaced."

(Reproduced from WhatMortgage.co.uk 10th June)

GARDIEN TIP: Use the Garden Inventory at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/inventory.aspx to work out the value of your garden and its contents. Then follkow the advice at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/garden-insurance.aspx

Garden crime advice on offer

RESIDENTS of the Aggborough and Spennells area of Kidderminster are being invited to a garden crime prevention event being planned by their local policing team.
Officers will be setting up a stand on the car park at Homebase, in Spennells Valley Road, next Wednesday, June 17, between noon and 2pm.
Anyone visiting the DIY store can drop by at the police stand to ask for advice on any garden security issues, as well as any general concerns they might have.
PC Philip Green, local policing officer for Aggborough and Spennells, said: “We regularly hold police surgeries throughout the ward to give people chance to speak to an officer, face to face, about any matters of concern in their area and everyone is welcome to stop by on June 17 to raise their issues with us.
“Our focus for the day will be on garden crime prevention, with a range of leaflets and literature to hand out and we hope that those visiting the store will call and see us at the same time.”
That will include a leaflet titled Tips to Nip Garden Crime in the Bud, with simple measures people can take to protect their gardens, garden equipment and sheds.
It gives advice on protecting boundaries, defensive planting (using prickly plants and shrubs to deter burglars), properly securing sheds and other outside storage and also security marking any valuables, such as garden machines or bicycles that might be stored in a shed.
Police will also be handing out special packets of seeds which feature tips on garden security.
Further garden security tips are available online, at www.westmercia.police.uk, along with crime prevention advice for homes and vehicles.

(Reproduced from the Kidderminster Shuttle, June 10th)

GARDIEN TIP: More and more police forces are holding garden security events. Go and listen and then solve your problems with the solutions available at www.garden-security.co.uk

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Garden centre offers reward after theft

A Bentley (Suffolk) garden centre owner today offered a £1,000 reward after plant pilferers pinched trees and shrubs worth £4,000. Richard Pooley believes his stock was stolen to order and is destined for use on landscaping projects. Mr Pooley estimates the thieves got away with 200-300 containers as well as a £1,000 trailer during an overnight raid on his premises in Bergholt Road. The culprits cut through an outer fence at Bentley Plant Centre before going through a hedge and over a 3ft drainage ditch. They then got over an inside fence. Mr Pooley believes three to four people must have taken part in the burglary due to the volume of stock stolen. To make matters worse he said the trees and shrubs were not insured because of the high cost of the premiums. However, the trailer was insured. Mr Pooley said he thinks the thieves loaded their haul on the trailer and escaped by trampling down a fence they cut down. Among the plants taken were Acers, olive trees, pyramid box trees, bay trees, cordylines and tree ferns. The break-in has left Mr Pooley exasperated as he said it is not the first time thieves have burgled the plant centre. The last time was around a year ago. Mr Pooley said: “There are footmarks everywhere. I am absolutely gutted. We have been done several times before. I would just like the trees and shrubs recovered or to know who did this. I think they have been stolen to order. The thieves didn't touch the stuff that was in flower. I am offering a £1,000 reward to try and catch whoever did this and recover any of the plants.”
The break-in occurred between last Friday night and early Saturday morning. The reward Mr Pooley is offering is for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the thieves. Richard Jones, a spokesman for Suffolk Constabulary said the theft was reported at 8.15am on Saturday. Anyone who can help track down the culprits should telephone Pc John Hardmeier at Capel St Mary police station on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

(Reproduced from Ipswich Evening Star, 10th June)

GARDIEN TIP: The trailer should have been Property Marked and clearly shown to be so - the perimeter of the property also needs strengthening and probably supplementing with infra-rad beam devices to warn of intruders. Forensic DNA grease can be applied to the more expensive stock items, see http://www.garden-security.co.uk/selectaDNA-grease.aspx

Protect your property from garden thieves

A CRIME prevention event is being held in Wainfleet, Lincolnshire, next Wednesday to help take a stand against burglaries from sheds and outbuildings.
The town's neighbourhood policing team, together with area crime prevention officer PC Nic Hanson, are preparing for what is usually a busy time of year for the criminal.
Spring historically sees an increase in these types of burglaries, with particular targets being gardening equipment, anything from expensive ride-on lawnmowers, quad bikes, strimmers and chainsaws to small garden tools.
The stolen equipment is then often sold on through private sale, small ads in papers and at car boot sales. This type of equipment can often be stolen to order and can be big business for the petty criminal.
To try to prevent these offences taking place and following a recent spate of shed burglaries at a local allotment, those attending the event can make use of crime prevention advice and a tool marking facility, making all equipment easily identifiable should it be stolen.
PC Nic Hanson said: "By taking a proactive stance, getting equipment security marked and checking that sheds and outbuildings are secured, people are going a long way doing their bit against this type of offending.
"By coming along to the crime prevention event residents will be helping us to help them in providing a strong deterrent to would-be offenders. Security-marked items can be traceable and any criminal thinking of helping themselves to someone else's property in Wainfleet might just need to think again."
The event is taking place from 5pm to 8pm at Wainfleet Police Station.
For more information, call PC Nic Hanson at Horncastle Police Station on (01507) 523332.

(Reproduced from Thisis Skegness.co.uk, June 9th)

GARDIEN TIP: We agree entirely with PC Nic Hanson's advice. All this and much more is on view at www.garden-security.co.uk

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Learn how best to protect your home

HOME owners will be taught how to protect their houses using security devices in their gardens, Enfield Police have announced.
The Crime Prevention garden, designed by Mary Morrison, a former student of Garden Design at Capel Manor College, was co-funded by Enfield police, Secured by Design and Capel Manor College.
The garden will display a range of security devices and plants that aim to deter intruders and make home safer.
It works in the hope that it will be more difficult to steal from a garden or use the garden to gain access to someone's home.
The Crime Prevention garden will be officially opened at the college on Saturday at 12 noon by Enfield police borough commander, Chief Superintendent Adrian Hanstock, and Calvin Beckford from Secured by Design.
The partnership will establish "a unique and permanent national focus" that a secure garden means a secure home.
Secured By Design is a police initiative which works on reducing crime.
It focuses on crime prevention using the design, layout and construction stages of houses and commercial premises.
Designers on this project tried to ensure that a safe garden can still be an attractive garden.
Sergeant Martin Peirson from Enfield police is encouraging people to attend the event: He said: "It is important that people are aware of the simple measures they can take to secure their garden, helping to prevent both garden crime and burglary."
The garden will be on display at Capel Manor College, Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield this Saturday.

(Reproduced from the Enfield Independent, June 9th)

GARDIEN TIP: A range of approved security products (plus lots of free advice) can be found at www.garden-security.co.uk

Monday, June 8, 2009

Anger at theft from Bulwell pensioners' day centre

PENSIONERS hoping to enjoy the summer sun are furious after thieves stole hundreds of pounds of garden furniture.
Two large tables, four benches and four chairs have been taken from Marlstones day centre in Aldgate Close, Bulwell.
Police are investigating the theft which has left the centre's regulars angry and upset.
Tom Crofts, 85, from Bulwell, said: "It's disgusting. I'd like to put whoever did this in their place. Pinching off old people who can't do anything about it. Whoever did this must be a right shower."
Annie Smith, 95, also from Bulwell, who was been a regular at the day centre for the past five years, said: "We have to sit inside, but we want to be enjoy any nice weather this summer. You look forward to coming here when you live on your own."
The garden furniture was bought six months ago for £450, after fund-raising by users of Marlstones day centre.
It was taken some time over the weekend of May 30 and 31. Staff, who discovered the theft when they returned to work last Monday, have also expressed their anger.
Jackie Holmes, 63, a centre care assistant, said: "We had a private little place at the side where people could sit outside and play bingo, read, or drink a cup of tea or coffee. Now they have nothing."
Staff and pensioners now hope police can catch the thieves and find the furniture so it can be used once again during opening hours every Monday, Thursday and Friday.
Last week, police urged residents and businesses to be alert to burglars after a spate of city break-ins.
Police fear the warmer weather may make people more likely to leave properties insecure.
Anyone with information on the theft is asked to call Notts police on 0115 967 0999 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.

(Reproduced from thisisnottingham.co.uk 8th June)

GARDIEN TIP: Property marking is a cheap, effective way of deterring theft. See our advice at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/retrieval.aspx?sec=pm

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Contents insurance 'needs to cover gardens'

Britons should check home insurance policies. Summer means people tend to spend more time in their gardens, but homeowners need to make sure items they use outside are covered by their home insurance. According to Cheshire Building Society, rates of garden theft increase at this time of year as householders are more likely to leave items out in their gardens overnight. Because of this it is important to double check home insurance policies to ensure adequate cover is in place for garden equipment and accessories, the company advised. Karen Torson, product manager at Cheshire Building Society, said: "Many people automatically assume they're covered when they take a policy out, but this isn't always the case and it can leave people feeling hugely let down by their insurance providers if their claim is not met in full or, worse still, declined."She added that having insurance in place means that, in the event of belongings being lost or stolen, homeowners can quickly and easily get them replaced - without ending up out of pocket.Insurance provider More Than recently advised householders to take precautions such as trimming hedges and locking sheds to prevent thieves from stealing items from the garden.

(Reproduced from CompareandSave.com , 5th June)

GARDIEN TIP: Use the free Inventory on the Gardien web site (http://www.garden-security.co.uk/inventory.aspx) to get a true valuation of your garden and then check your insurance policy using the advice at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/garden-insurance.aspx

Stolen garden ornaments recovered by police in Beaumont Leys

Police in Beaumont Leys, Leicestershire, are hoping to reunite over 100 stolen garden ornaments with their owners.
The haul of stolen property was discovered by officers in the garden of a house in Stocking Farm on Friday May 29, following a tip off from a member of the public. A 35-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the thefts and is on bail while enquiries continue.
Officers believe the property - which includes ornamental plant pots, wishing wells, gnomes, animal figurines, statues, hanging baskets, bird baths, solar powered lights and fence panels – was all stolen from gardens in the Stocking Farm, Mowmacre Hill and Abbey Rise area over the last five months.
Neighbourhood officers are re-contacting victims in the area to invite them to visit Beaumont Leys Police Station to view the recovered property and identify any which belongs to them.
PC Simon Walters, neighbourhood officer for Mowmacre Hill, Stocking Farm and Abbey Rise, said: “We are delighted to have recovered this property and are very keen to reunite it with its rightful owners. Clearly these thefts will have been distressing for the victims as not only has their personal property been stolen, some of which may have sentimental value, but somebody has been in their garden and invaded their privacy.
“So far we have managed to identify the owners of about 12 of the 109 items. One lady who came to view the property today was absolutely over the moon to see her garden statues again.
“However, there may be people out there who did not report the thefts to police and we are urging them to visit Beaumont Leys Police Station as soon as possible to see if any of the recovered property is theirs.
“I would like to thank the member of the public who tipped us off about the stolen property. This is a great example of how residents can work with their local officers to tackle crime in their community.”
For more information visit the Front Enquiry Office at Beaumont Leys Police Station or leave a message for PC 592 Simon Walters by calling 0116 222 2222, follow the instructions to leave a message for an officer and when prompted key in his identification number 0592.

(Reproduced from information released by Leicestershire Police, June 5th)

GARDIEN TIP: Marking items using forensic DNA would make owner identification a very simple matter. See http://www.garden-security.co.uk/selectaDNA-grease.aspx

Friday, June 5, 2009

'Sick' memorial thieves slammed

'Sick' thieves have stolen iron gates from a memorial garden in Chorley, Lancashire.
The cast iron gates were stolen from the garden of remembrance in Withnell Fold which is dedicated to the victims of World War One and Two. Volunteers from the village have been working with Withnell Parish Council and the Groundwork Trust to improve the area and claim the theft is an insult to the war dead from the village. Peter Mallon, one of the volunteers from Withnell Fold, said: "Anyone who knows the area will know what the gardens represent and the theft is very sad. It is as bad as vandalising graves and we are terribly disappointed that this should happen." Mr Mallon said the volunteers were unable to pinpoint exactly when the two gates had been stolen and said the likelihood of them being replaced was very slim. He added: "The gardens were dedicated in the 1950s and that is when the cast iron gates were put in place. They're not huge, but they are made of heavy cast iron and would have taken some lifting - I doubt it is the work of casual opportunists. "I can only assume that the gates have been taken and weighed in as scrap, but we can't be absolutely sure what has happened. "We had been working to improve the gardens with the Groundwork Trust and so initially when they went missing we thought they had been taken away to be painted, but unfortunately that isn't the case. "I got a horrible sickening feeling when I realised they had been stolen as the likelihood of us being able to replace them is slim to nil as we are only a group of volunteers who care. "We haven't got a budget and if we want to do any planting in the garden then we have to throw ourselves on the mercy of people from the village and hope they will give us flowers from their gardens. "The people who have done this are sick."

(Reproduced from Chorley Guardian, 5th June)

GARDIEN TIP: Never under-estimate what might be stolen. Neither weight nor size will deter the professional thieves, who often dress like workmen so that everyone assumes they are legitimate. Hinge caps should be fitted to all gates which could otherwise be easily lifted off their hinges.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Break-ins could be linked

POLICE believe three break-ins in the vicinity of Malvern Cemetery could be linked.
Thieves got away with tools and electrical equipment from two household sheds as well as the former chapel at the cemetery, which is now used for storage.
Heavy-duty locks were smashed off the chapel and equipment valued at between £2,000- £3,000 was stolen some time between Monday, June 1 and Tuesday, June 2.
It is believed a vehicle could have been used to transport some of the heavier items including a two-feet square electric generator and a petrol engine pump.
The site is owned by Malvern Town Council and clerk Richard Chapman said they would be considering increasing security on site.
A bungalow in Elmley Close, which backs onto the cemetery grounds was also targeted with a 48-year-old disabled man losing an electric drill, mitre saw and hedge trimmer from his shed.
Nigel Holder was watching television until the early hours of the morning on Tuesday but did not hear anyone enter his property or break the lock of his shed.
He said: “I feel sick. What do you do to protect yourself?”
He speculated that he could have been seen by the thieves using the equipment in his garden as his property is adjacent to an alleyway.
A homeowner in nearby Madresfield Road reported the theft of a £150 Black and Decker strimmer from their garden shed between 3pm on Monday, June 1 and 9.30am on Tuesday, June 2.
West Mercia Police spokesman Porcha Treanor said: “There’s a possibility that these incidents are linked, however it’s thought the cemetery theft would have required a vehicle of some kind to transport some of the items.”
Advice to shed owners has been re-issued by the police in light of this current spate of thefts.
Home-owners are advised to ensure gates, fences and walls are kept in good repair to stop intruders getting in your garden, to grow ‘defensive planting’, such as prickly plants, bushes and shrubs, close to vulnerable areas such as windows, fences, boundary walls and drainpipes.
The Safe and Secure campaign also advises that most sheds are not designed for safe storage and should not be used to store expensive equipment such as garden tools, mowers and power tools.

(Reproduced from the Malvern Gazette, June 4th)

GARDIEN TIP: See our comprehensive advice at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/shed-outbuilding-security.aspx

Theft heartache for cancer survivor

A mother who beat cancer last year has spoken of her heartache after treasured plant pots bought by her daughters were stolen from her front garden. Edie Stonham, 81, from Dennis Road, Hellesdon, was asleep in her bungalow when callous thieves loaded the tubs onto a people carrier at about midnight on Friday, May 29. Mrs Stonham, who needed an operation after being diagnosed with bowel cancer last year, said the tubs were special as they had been Christmas and birthday presents from her daughters Julie Stonham and Diane Lees. The widowed grandmother-of-two was forced to pave over her garden after suffering cancer, and the pots, which were full of plants, had been bought to cheer her up and brighten up her garden, which is renowned as one of the best-kept gardens in the neighbourhood. She said: “I cannot express in words how I feel. It's so petty to steal things like that from someone's garden. “They were special to me because they were presents and I had spent a lot of time on them. The people who took them cannot get much for them, so I don't know why they did it.”Her daughter Mrs Lees, 48, an office worker from Trowse, said her mother's garden was her pride and joy.She said: “My mum's front garden was one of the best in Hellesdon and people would comment on it. “Last year mum had cancer so she had the garden paved over with concrete. “We bought mum some tubs, which were easy to maintain, for Christmas, and filled them with flowers. And for her birthday in May we bought her some more. Mum has spent a lot of time in the front garden. “It's quite an emotional thing and mum's gutted, to be honest. “Having gone through the year we went through last year it is particularly upsetting.” Mrs Lees said a neighbour had seen a people carrier outside Mrs Stonham's house on the night they were stolen, and had rung the police. She also said police told her that there had been a spate of plant pot thefts in recent months in Hellesdon, Horsford and Taverham.

Meanwhile, Holt Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) is investigating the theft of large garden ornaments in the last few months. The items include a large stone ball from a pillar, an ornamental cat and garden pots. Last month pensioner Keith Brown from Holt Road, Horsford, had three hanging baskets stolen from his home, just weeks after having £460 taken from his card by scammers. Police said that most of these items would require two people to lift and carry, and said criminals are targeting the more valuable ornaments so they can sell them onto yards, or even sell at auctions and markets. Police said owners of ornaments are advised to mark the items by engraving them with the post code. This not only acts as a deterrent but enables such items to be returned to the owners should they come into police possession. Anyone with information about the theft from Mrs Stonham's garden should contact Norfolk Constabulary on 0845 4564567. For the thefts in Holt, ring PCSO Rachel Howard at Holt SNT on sntholt@norfolk.pnn.police.uk or 0845 4564567.

(Reproduced from the Norwich Evening News, June 4th)

GARDIEN TIP: Use heavy bricks inside plant pots to make them more dfficult to move, or better still make sure they are all postcoded to remove their resale value, See our property marking advice at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/SelectaMark-Property-Marking.aspx

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Crime prevention advice in Seaford

SEAFORD Police this week issued people with crime prevention advice as the warm weather sets in.
Top tips included:
If you are out in the back garden, ensure the front door is secure.
Put garden tools and games into a secure garage or shed after use - they could be used to break into your home.
Remember to close and lock windows and doors before going out, or to bed.
If you are in the countryside, put belongings out of site and take your bag or wallet with you.

(Reproduced from Hastings & St Leonards Observer, 3rd June)

GARDIEN TIP: The above advice is valid, but merely scratches the surface of the problem. For full advice see www.garden-security.co.uk

Garden Theft Wrecks Competition

Timsbury’s entry into the In Bloom competition run by the Royal Horticultural Society and the Bath in Bloom contest for villages has suffered a setback with news of the theft of a rose bush at the Miners’ Memorial Garden. The area has been looked after by Parish councillor Carole Watts and Anne Patterson and the pair have voiced their disappointment at the theft.
Mrs Watts said, “ The organising committee have worked really hard to ensure that Timsbury makes a strong entry into these competitions and this action by an individual or individuals is something we could have done without. It was a lovely rose bush which was coming on well”.
A number of wooden planters have been made which will exhibit flowers around the village. The financing of the entries comes from Timsbury’s success in the Calor Village of the Year competition where for the second year running, it was chosen as the top large village in Bath and North East Somerset in 2008 .

(Reproduced from Timsbury Community web site, 3rd June)

GARDIEN TIP: Secure shrubs and small trees with a Rootball Anchor. See details at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/Rootball-Anchor.aspx

Pupils devastated by theft from garden

SCHOOLCHILDREN who raised hundreds of pounds towards an educational garden have had their green-fingered dreams shattered by thieves.
The pupils at Mount Stuart Primary School in Butetown, Cardiff, were devastated to find timber planks for the venture had been stolen when they arrived for school yesterday.
The youngsters raised more than £600 to go towards the project – organised by Business in the Community – and were looking forward to seeing their hard-earned money transformed into a garden for all to use.
Yvonne Scott, acting headteacher at the school, said: “The children are gutted. They realise that all the money they worked so hard to raise has gone to waste – some of them even raised more than £100 each. The thieves obviously didn’t think about the feelings of the children when they stole the wood.”
She added: “Our caretaker was the first to find out about it.
“He was worried he might need to order some more planks so he went out in the morning to count it and realised it was gone. We checked the CCTV footage and can see the thieves jumping over the fence and the car which the wood was loaded into. In total 111 planks were stolen – it was feather-edged timber which had been treated especially for all weathers. It was going to create the plant beds.”
Although one pupil managed to find 20 pieces of the missing timber – which Mrs Scott believes were too heavy for the burglars to transport – on his way to school, they are still short of more than 90 planks. The school has had to dig into its own budget to replace the stolen wood.
“We’ve had to spend an extra £400, which could’ve been spent on the pupils for other things”, said Yvonne.
Acting deputy headteacher, Lynne Berriman, said no-one could believe what had happened.
“We’ve been planning an outdoor classroom for so long but we haven’t had the money or the manpower to do it. It was a dream come true when we got the offer of help and funds from Principality Building Society and Eversheds through the charity, but now our dream has been shattered.”
Year six pupil, Leon Benskin, said he hopes whoever took the wood gives it back. The 11-year-old said: “I feel really upset because me and my friend counted all the money. We were so pleased and excited when we found out how much we’d earned and now it’s all gone to waste.”
Eight-year-old Oscar Porter added: “I raised £65.20 to buy the wood so I’m really mad with the thieves.”
A South Wales Police spokesperson said anyone with information on who is responsible should contact police on 029 2022 2111 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

(Reproduced from the South Wales Echo, June 3rd)

GARDIEN TIP: Make access as tricky as possible by following our advice at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/walls-fences-security.aspx. Many schools also use a Secure Metal Storage Unit to keep items of value, play equipment etc away from prying eyes - see http://www.garden-security.co.uk/Steel-Storage-Unit.aspx

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Brave mum foils bid to steal garden

A MOTHER-of-two halted thieves in their tracks as they tried to steal her back garden.
Christine Carr bravely stood in the path of a Transit van to stop the would-be crooks from taking expensive York flagstones from the rear of her St Annes guesthouse. She was alerted by a guest at The Laurels on Clifton Drive North, who heard a loud bang at around 4am last Thursday. The van the burglars were using to move the flagstones had crashed into a parked car. Mrs Carr called 999 before rushing out of her house and standing in front of the van to prevent it driving off. But the brave mum was forced to dive out of the way when the van started up. She said: "I stood in the van's path but when it was about to run me over I had to get out the way. I didn't really think about the potential danger, I was just really angry. "My property and my son's property are the only two on the road which still have flagstones as all the others have been stolen."
Her daughter Sammy, 19, added: "The garden looks a complete mess. "I couldn't believe my mum had stood in front of the van. Apparently, she was inches away from being hit by it. "The flagstones from Mrs Carr's guesthouse were left on the side of the road. She said: "We have managed to recover the stones as they were piled up on the street waiting to be loaded after they had dug them up. "But we will have to get them re-laid and the garden looks a mess. "Crime gangs have targeted five separate addresses – stealing the expensive flagstones. One Blackpool business has been left with a £2,000 bill to replace the stones stolen in one of the raids. The first theft took place on Clifton Drive North in St Annes, when slabs were stolen from a rear driveway during the night of May 15 and 16.
Another theft occurred at the same time when stones were taken from outside the front of a home on Kent Road in central Blackpool. There were two further thefts, one from a home on Albert Road in central Blackpool, which took place overnight between May 24 and 25, and thefts from Church Road in St Annes at the same time Mrs Carr's guesthouse was targeted. St Annes police confirmed two people had been arrested on Thursday after York flagstone were stolen from the address on Clifton Drive North. PCSO Steve Turner added: "All the incidents happened during the night, and arrests were made after a member of the public alerted us about an incident. Following the arrests, some of the flagstones were recovered."- A 31-year-old man from Blackpool and a 20-year-old woman from Poulton arrested on suspicion of theft have been released on bail until June 3.

(Reproduced from the Blackpool Gazette, June 2nd)

GARDIEN TIP: Review the access to your property, checking gates, walls and fences to make it doubly difficult for unwanted people to enter your garden. Advice available at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/garden-crime-prevention.aspx

Monday, June 1, 2009

Opportunist crime expected to rise over summer

Police are warning homeowners in St Helens to guard against an expected jump in opportunist crime during the summer months.
Statistics shows crooks use the lighter evenings to target expensive equipment left in garden sheds and garages.Power tools, hand tools, plant containers, sports equipment, bicycles and toys are among the items viewed as easy picking by criminals, say police. Crime Reduction Officer Michelle Harrison said: "Many people forget to secure their garden, shed or garage. As most burglary is opportunistic, if a burglar spots a chance to steal something and get away with it, they will. "By following simple precautions you can make your property secure and prevent yourself from becoming victim to this type of crime. "Crime-busting tips include:* Security mark their valuable items and install security lights.* Bikes should be locked to something heavy e.g. a workbench.* Never leave a garage or garden shed unlocked, especially if it has a connecting door to the house - a thief could get in and work on the inner door in privacy.* Ensure garage and shed doors are fitted with a strong padlock and ensure they are solid enough not to be kicked in.* Lock ladders inside the garage or shed to stop a thief using them to reach inaccessible windows. If there is no room inside, chain or padlock them horizontally to a sturdy bracket on an outside wall.* A thorny hedge along the boundary can work as a deterrent. But make sure that the front of the house is still visible to passers by so a burglar cannot work unseen.

(Reproduced from the St Helens Reporter, 1st June)

GARDIEN TIP: A full range of free advice can be found at www.garden-security.co.uk

Almost one-quarter of Brits 'have been victim to garden crime'

A new survey has found that almost one-quarter of British homeowners have fallen victim to garden crime. This includes thieves escaping with their expensive furniture, ornaments, barbecues, children's toys and garden tools, found the poll, undertaken by GoCompare.com. It discovered that the average garden contains £1,040 worth of items and that 24 per cent of people have had things stolen from their gardens in the past. Of the things stolen from the gardens of British property owners, bicycles were found to be the items most frequently going missing (52 per cent), followed by expensive plants, furniture and garden tools. Chief Executive of Gocompare.com Hayley Parsons said: "Most home insurance policies provide cover for gardens and their contents, but this can be limited, so it is best to check what cover you have and whether you need to extend it." According to research from M&S Money, as many as two-in-three Brits have failed to check whether their garden valuables are covered by their home insurance policies.

(Reproduced from Money News, 1st June)

GARDIEN TIP: Use the Inventory at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/inventory.aspx to calculate the value of your garden contents. Then check our advice list on insurance at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/garden-insurance.aspx

Garden theft risk warning

As Brits drag the BBQs and patio furniture out of the shed for the start of the summer, gardens are being targeted by thieves. Home insurance comparison website Gocompare.com found 24.2 per cent of Brits have been the victim of outdoor theft, with the average garden containing £1,040 worth of outdoor furniture, BBQs, garden tools and children's play equipment. Of those who have been victims of garden theft, 52 per cent had their bicycles stolen, while 13 per cent lost valuable furniture, expensive plants and garden and one in ten people had a BBQ taken. Bicycles, trampolines and BBQs were also targets for vandalism, the comparison site said. Hayley Parsons, chief executive of Gocompare.com, said: "Most home insurance policies provide cover for gardens and their contents, but this can be limited, so it is best to check what cover you have and whether you need to extend it. "If the contents of your garden are particularly valuable, you may need to consider a specialist garden insurance policy." Over a third admit they have not spent anything on garden security in the last 12 months and a further 35 per cent said they had spent less than £100, Gocompare.com added. "As a rule, we would advise people to try to prevent and deter garden crime rather than rely on their home insurance," Ms Parsons said. Gocompare.com suggests garden lovers keep boundary hedges and fences in good order to keep them secure and consider defensive planting of prickly shrubs or hedges, as well as keeping outdoor possessions in a locked shed or garage. Installing security lighting and using a security pen to mark valuable items that are left in the open are also good ways of deterring theft.

(Reproduced from www.myfinances.co.uk, June 1st)

GARDIEN TIP: The above is a small fraction of the advice on offer at www.garden-security.co.uk

Does a plant pot thief have his eye on your garden?

VILLAGERS are being urged to stay vigilant after a spate of ornamental garden pot thefts.
Gardens in Kempsey, near Worcester, have been targeted and ceramic pots and trees worth hundreds of pounds taken.
Thieves have struck on four separate occasions at various addresses around the village, with at least three of the thefts happening within a 48-hour period.
Although parish councillor David Harrison hasn’t been targeted, he warned villagers to be on their guard. He said: “All we can do is keep our eyes open and move anything which isn’t secure. Villagers have been in touch to say they have had things taken and we’ve got a pretty good information network around here but everybody should be aware.”
He said there was a suspicion that whoever was taking the heavy pot plants was using a van and villagers were urged to make a note of the number plates of any unfamiliar parked vehicles and call police if there are more thefts.
The first reported theft happened between 10pm on Tuesday, May 19, and 6.50am the following morning when two blue stoneware pots worth £30, containing conifers, were taken from an address in Plovers Rise. Crime reference 65/S/200509 On the Wednesday, between 8.30am and 5.30pm, two large ornamental pots containing trees and worth about £100 each were also taken from either side of a house in Squires Walk. 535/S/200509.
Then between Thursday, May 14, and noon on Friday, May 22, a couple from Napleton Lane returned from holiday and noticed their two glazed pots containing conifers and worth £30 each had been stolen from their front garden. 401/S/230509.
Three days later a 15-inch blue ceramic pot containing an acer tree was taken from a house in Meadow Close some time after 7.15pm on Saturday, May 23. 505/S/230509.
A police spokeswoman said: “The local policing team are aware of each incident and are investigating.
“The pots were taken in the same space of time within Kempsey and are all being looked at together.”
Anyone with information should call police on 0300 333 3000.

(Reproduced from Berrow's Worcester Journal, June 1st)

GARDIEN TIP: Follow our advice re Outdoor Items at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/outdoor-items-security.aspx

New scheme to cut garden crime

THE fight against garden crime steps up a gear next week with a security marking session organised by Horncastle Police in Lincolcshire
A mobile police station will be located at Horncastle Allotments, off Boston Road, between 3 and 8pm on Monday, June 8. Officers will be on hand to security mark garden equipment and hand tools and give out crime prevention advice.PCSO Nigel Wass of Horncastle Police said: "In the spring we usually see a rise in garden shed burglaries particularly as the demand for cheap, secondhand gardening equipment increases. "The session is also being used as an opportunity to launch a new Allotment Watch, aimed at bringing the gardening and home producing community together in the fight against garden crime.*

(Reproduced from Horncastle News, May 29th)

GARDIEN TIP: See the advice at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/shed-outbuilding-security.aspx