Garden theft warning for residents

Police are warning residents to ensure they don't leave property lying in the garden after a spate of thefts in Newcastle. On the evening of Monday March 7 police received a report that a mountain bike had been stolen from a garden at Station Road in Walker, while a report was received on Tuesday March 8 of a lawnmower and strimmer being stolen from a garden at Portman Place.
They are the most recent incidents of a spate which has taken place in the east of the city over recent weeks.
Since the start of the year nine bikes have been stolen after they were left lying in gardens and further incidents include the theft of gardening equipment.
With the lighter nights approaching police are warning residents to ensure their property is locked away out of the sight of opportunist thieves.
PC Euan Faulke, Byker and Walker Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Thousands of pounds worth of property has been stolen from gardens in the area after items such as bikes and lawnmowers have been left insecure.
"Opportunist thieves see something valuable just lying there and they take advantage. Stealing someone else's belongings is of course unacceptable and we continue to do all we can to trace offenders and recover property.
"However, a lot of these offences could have been prevented by the owner making sure their property is safely locked away and out of sight in the house or shed.
"This is particularly relevant now the lighter nights and warmer weather is coming and more people will be out cycling and doing gardening work. I'd urge people to ensure they put away any belongings after they have finished using them to help keep thieves at bay."
For more security advice or to report information about who is responsible for crime and disorder in your community contact the Byker and Walker Neighbourhood Policing Team via 03456 043 043 ext 69191 or email bykerwalker.npt@northumbria.pnn.police.uk

(Reproduced from Northumbria Police web site, 13th March 2011)

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