Saturday, October 27, 2012

Model boat stolen from Herne Bay shed


A model boat that has been owned by a family for 20 years has been stolen from a garden shed.
The boat, which is 4ft long, was stolen from a shed in School Lane, Herne Bay, at some time between 6.30pm on Saturday, October 20, and 8.45am on Sunday, October 21.
The boat has been in the owner’s family for 20 years, and police they are keen to have it returned.
Police would like to hear from anyone who may have seen the boat since it was stolen, and any information about the theft.
Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Daniel Ashton on 101 quoting crime reference ZY/030002/12.
Alternatively if you have information but would prefer to remain anonymous call Kent Crimestoppers on 0800-555111

(Reproduced from kentnews.co.uk 26th Oct 2012)

Gardien Comment:  See the article on Shed Security at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/shed-security-print.htm

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Callous theft hits disabled group

Clients of the Willow Garden Project worked long hours on the solid wooden seat for their allotment at Fleetwood Cricket Club.
But hearts were broken when they discovered someone had stolen their labour of love.
Project trustee Pamela Laird said: “Everyone has been devastated by this.
“Our volunteers and service users have been working hard finishing it off and have been rubbing it down – they have spent hours and hours on it.
“It was six feet long and weighed an absolute ton.
“It would have taken three or four people to carry it so it’s obviously been carted off in a van – they can’t just have walked off with it.
“It wasn’t like any other bench you can get. It was very distinctive so if anyone sees it they will be able to recognise it.
“It was almost finished and we were going to carve names on the back of those who had worked on it.”
Another trustee, Paula Ireland, said it had been intended to make the bench the centrepiece of the project.
She added: “We hid it behind some bushes because we thought it would be out of sight, but someone has clearly spotted it.”
The Willow Garden Project was launched at the beginning of the year and has already made great strides since then.
The group has recently gained a £10,000 grant from the Health Lottery to enable them to build a cabin.
The project also has won money from a national newspaper to enable development of their growing area to the rear of the cricket club pavilion.
The project's goal is for those with physical or mental disabilities to benefit from outdoor activity.
Those with information should call police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555111 or at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
(Reproduced from fleetwoodtoday.co.uk  25th Oct 2012
Gardien Comment:  Don't assume anything is too heavy to be stolen. See our advice re Outdoor items at  http://www.garden-security.co.uk/outdoor-items-security.aspx

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

£10,000 worth of bikes stolen from garden shed


Stolen Eastleigh moto cross bike   Have you seen this bike?

A distinctive motor-cross motorcycle and more than £10,500 worth of goods have been stolen from a locked shed in a back garden at Edward Avenue, Eastleigh.
Sometime between 11pm Saturday, October 20, and 7am Sunday, October 21, a thief or thieves broke off a padlock and forced a deadlocked door to gain entry to the shed.  The victims are a 47-year-old man and his son, 18.
Stolen property includes a £3000 KTM 250SX-F motorcycle .  The bike is predominantly orange in colour with several stickers, including the name Connor.
Also taken was a £4,500 black Trek-fuel men’s mountain bike.  This bike has Fox float front suspension forks, Easton carbon fibre handlebars and seat post, handmade Mavic wheel trims and Huigi hubs, a Chris King headset and Shimano transmission.
A Club Roost men’s mountain bike in matt grey with black wheel trims, valued at £2,500, was taken.
Small items include two boxes of bike parts, one orange and one white, valued at £200 and a black Fox-Sin City motocross helmet, valued at £200.  The helmet has a white and red tribal pattern, with pictures of a busty woman and a deck of cards.
Another helmet, valued at £120, is a black Can Moto-cross open faced helmet with a silver design.
Various Halford and Draper tools, valued at £100, have also missing.
Eastleigh PC Paul Osborne is appealing for information from anyone who saw the striking orange motocross bike during the early hours of Sunday, October 21, or anyone who knows its current location.
“This incident is particularly devastating for the victim’s 18-year-old son who got the moto-cross bike as a present.  He has invested a lot of time and money in getting it up to competition standard. And, on the morning they discovered the theft, he was due to take part in an event with it,” PC Osborne said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Osborne at Eastleigh on 101 or the anonymous Crimestoppers charity line on 0800 555111

(Reproduced from Eastleigh News 24th Oct 2012)

Gardien Comment: See the article on bike security at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/bike-security-print.htm . For special units to house motor-bikes see    http://www.garden-security.co.uk/secure-motorbike-sheds.aspx

Scooter theft in Lydney


Police are appealing for information about the theft of a distinctive boys scooter in Lydney on Monday.
The Grit 69 scooter is customised with luminous green graffiti on the board and pink or purple wheels and handle grips.
It was taken from a front garden in Ridler Road between 2.10pm and 2.20pm.
Anyone who witnessed the theft or has seen the scooter should call 101, quoting incident 244 of October 22.
Alternatively information can also be given anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org. In some cases Crimestoppers offer rewards of up to £1,000 where information leads to a conviction.

(Reproduced from thisisgloucestershiire.co.uk  24th Oct 2012)

Gardien Comment:  Maybe not an expensive item to lose but heartbreaking for the child involved. Basic sceurity thinking would have prevented the theft.  See the advice at www.garden-security.co.uk

Manchester Police: Crime gangs to blame for high-value cycle thefts


Olympic cycling has contributed to the explosion in instances

Crime gangs are to blame for the 'explosion' in high-value cycle thefts from homes and gardens, Manchester Police have said.
Police in the area say that the problem is widespread, but centred in areas including south Manchester suburbs such Chorlton, Didsbury and Fallowfield - where more people ride bikes.
Some areas have seen a one-fifth rise, particularly in thefts from garden sheds - with the bikes appearing for sale online hours later.
According to the Manchester Evening News, "Officers believe that gangs will send out members on scouting missions to peer into back gardens and garden sheds - before thieves operating in groups strike.
"They break into often poorly secured sheds before using heavy-duty bolt-cutters to free the bikes.
"Dozens of bikes are then taken to store houses before quickly being sold - often on websites such as Gumtree and Ebay, as well as in second-hand shops up to 20 miles away."
The tactic marks a change from bikes being stolen from outside shops and bars in town centres.
Paul Kinrade, Inspector from GMP's Didsbury Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:”After the success of Team GB in the Summer Olympics, cycling is more popular than ever and criminals are fully aware of this.
“We don’t want to discourage people from getting out on their bikes, but what we do want is to make life harder for thieves by making it harder for them to sell bikes on.
“By purchasing a stolen bike, not only are you fuelling the stolen goods market but handling stolen goods is an offence in itself. If you are approached by somebody in the street offering to sell you a bike or your child comes home with a bargain bike that seems too good to be true, report them to the police and help us put a stop to this kind of crime.”
In the summer, we reported on the theft of a Pinarello Paris bike belonging to Olympic gold medallist Philip Hindes from the home he shares in Manchester with BMX rider Liam Philips, whose car was also taken and later found burnt out and abandoned.
Last year, we brought you crime statistics that showed that greater Manchester was the third worst area for bike theft in the UK, with 5,185 thefts reported in 2010

(Reproduced from road.cc  24th Oct 2012)

Gardien Comment: See the article on bike security at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/bike-security-print.htm

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Police appeal on bike theft


Police in West Lothian are appealing for information after a stolen motorcycle was involved in a collision with a woman on a path in Livingston.
The bike was stolen from the back garden of a property in Clement Rise, Dedridge, sometime after 9.30am last Wednesday (October 3).
Witnesses saw the bike being ridden on the Burnside Path near to the Asda supermarket by two boys who are described as being around 10 and 13 years old, both between four feet and four feet six tall.
Shortly after, the bike was involved in a collision on the path with a 23-year-old woman at 5.15pm who was unable to step out of the way of the bike.
She sustained cuts and bruises and was taken to hospital.
Following the collision, the two suspects abandoned the bike and made off on foot.
The bike was returned to its owner and enquiries are now ongoing to trace the two suspects.
A Lothian and Borders Police spokesperson said: “While not seriously injured, the woman involved in this collision has been shaken by the incident.
“We believe that this motorbike had been in the area for a short while prior to the collision, and we are appealing to anyone who may have seen the small green and black bike to come forward with any information immediately.
“Similarly, anyone who knows who the two suspects are should come forward as a matter of urgency.”
Anyone with any information should contact police on 0131 311 3131

(Reproduced from West Lothian Courier, 21st October 2012)

Gardien Comment: Depending on the value of the motor bike, special secure storage units are available.  See http://www.garden-security.co.uk/secure-motorbike-sheds.aspx

Two bikes and jet washer stolen in raid on garden shed


EAST HULL: Two bikes and a jet washer were stolen when thieves broke into a shed.
The shed was at the back of a house in Mayville Avenue and it is thought the break-in took place some time between 4am and 9am on Tuesday, October 9.
Thieves went in through the unlocked door and stole a men's purple and white Dunlop mountain bike and a women's purple bike.
The RAC jet washer, stolen during the break-in, was orange and black.
Humberside Police have given a number of tips on crime prevention in relation to sheds and garages.
The say they should be positioned near the house and fitted with movement-sensor floodlights.
If sheds or garages have weak walls, doors or roofs, they should be reinforced.
If you don't intend to use windows, they can be secured shut or fitted with locks.
Hanging old curtains or netting up will also prevent any prying eyes from seeing what is stored in the shed.
Expensive items such as power tools, bicycles or golf clubs should be stored inside the home where possible.
Anyone with information about the Mayville theft should call police on non- emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1934804.

(Reproduced from thisishullandeastriding.co.uk  12th Oct 2012)

Gardien Comment: see the articles on Shed Security and Bike Security at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/shed-security-print.htm and http://www.garden-security.co.uk/bike-security-print.htm

Thieves have stolen a garden statue

MADE OF STONE: statue has been stolen

POLICE in Bridport are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward following the theft of a concrete statue from the front garden of a house in Burton Bradstock.
The incident happened at around 12.50am on Friday October 12 at a property on High Street.
The classic Roman-style statue of a half-naked woman measures five feet in height.
PC Sean Cannon, of Bridport police, said: “The owner of the statue, a 76-year-old man, believes he heard noises in his front garden and decided to investigate.
“When he reached his front door he noticed the statue had gone and heard a vehicle speeding off.
“I urge anyone who has information about this incident, or may have seen something suspicious to contact us as soon as possible on 101 in confidence.
“I am also keen to hear from anyone who may have been offered this item in strange circumstances, seen it for sale or found it abandoned.”
Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 12:0023.

(Reproduced from Bridport and Lyme Regis News, 19th Oct 2012)

Gardien Comment: You can now protect such items very cost-effectively by using a product such as Secure Sight - see http://www.garden-security.co.uk/secure-sight.aspx

Recorded crime now at lowest level since 1986 BUT...


Crime is continuing to fall despite the poor state of the economy and lower numbers of police officers on the streets, with police recording the lowest number of offences since 1986.
Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show that on both key indicators, data from forces and an authoritative survey, crime has fallen by 6 per cent in the past year alone.
Levels have now dropped by a third in just a decade with rates of violence half what they were in the 1990s.
All the main categories of offence have seen reductions, with homicide down 14 per cent, robbery 7 per cent, vehicle theft 8 per cent, household crime such as burglary 7 per cent, and some types of theft down 2 per cent after a rise the previous year.
The only areas that saw a rise were theft from the person, such as pickpocketing, which increased by 3 per cent in a year, and other household theft, where opportunistic criminals break into garden sheds, which rose by 1 per cent.
In total the independent Office for National Statistics said police had recorded 3.9million offences in the 12 months to June 2012, the lowest number since 1986. The separate Crime Survey for England and Wales indicated there were 9.1m offences against households and adults over the same period.

(Reproduced from The Telegraph.  18th October 2012)

Gardien Comment:  See the article on Shed Security at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/shed-security-print.htm

Thursday, October 11, 2012

South Normanton koi carp theft appeal

Police are appealing for information after five Koi Carp were stolen from a garden pond in South Normanton.
Some time between 6pm on Monday, 8th October and 11am on Tuesday, 9th October the fish were stolen from a garden on Hamlet Lane.
Thieves cut a net over the pond and used a fishing pole to remove the fish from the pond.
Officers would like to speak to anyone who has information about the theft.
Contact Derbyshire police on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on             0800 555 111     

(Reproduced from chad.co.uk  Oct 11th)

Gardien Comment:  Koi frequently cost hundreds of pounds each and deserve protection. A decent floodlight and recording system can be fairly cheaply installed - see http://www.garden-security.co.uk/secure-sight.aspx

Monday, October 8, 2012

Top sculptor's widow left devastated after brazen theft of garden sculptures


The family of internationally renowned sculptor John Robinson has been devastated by the theft of seven life-size sculptures of children from the grounds of his widow’s Somerset home.
The pieces, cast in metal, show youngsters playing in a variety of natural poses. The most distinctive are two boys on hobby horses. All are worth a substantial sum.

Mr Robinson, who died aged 71 in 2007, made his name as a sculptor of children and sports figures and was official sculptor for the British Olympic Committee in 1988.
His ‘Hammer Thrower’ is outside the Bowring Building, Tower Hill, London, and his five-metre Acrobats is outside the Sports Centre in Canberra. He was Official Sculptor for the British Olympic Committee in 1988, and his Gymnast is at the new Olympic Museum in Lausanne, donated by the Australian Olympic Committee.
The theft of the sculptures, and of silver, from the property at Galhampton, near Castle Cary, happened between Friday, September 28 and Sunday, September 30 when Mr Robinson’s widow, Margie, was attending a wedding.
The burglary was discovered on Sunday evening. It was reported to police who have been working covertly to recover the property and identify the thieves for several days before seeking help from the public.
Avon and Somerset Police appealed to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area at the time of the thefts to get in touch by ringing 101.
Mr Robinson was born in London of an Australian father and English mother. Evacuated to Australia during the war he attended Melbourne Grammar School but returned to England and went to Rugby School where he won prizes for geometry and sculpture.
He left school at 16 for a career in the Merchant Navy, but left to enjoy a life of adventure in Australia where he was a cattle drover and developed a sheep farm in remote land in the Ninety Mile Desert of South Australia.
In the 1960s he began modelling friends and children in clay, sold the farm and came to England working as a sculptor first in a barn studio in Devon and then in Somerset.
In the 1970s he began the Universe Series of dramatic abstract works in bronze, stainless steel and marble and also created 11 tapestries.
One of his abstract works stands outside Yeovil Hospital. He was also the founder of the Bradshaw Foundation founded to highlight the prehistoric rock art of Australia.

(Reproduced from thisissomerset.co.uk 7th Oct)

Gardien Comment: See the advice re Garden Antiques and Statuary at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/garden-antiques-security.aspx

Friday, October 5, 2012

Mower theft

 
A petrol lawnmower was stolen from a garden shed on Innox Hill, Frome.
The theft is believed to have happened between September 7 and 17.
Thieves are thought to have entered the garden via an unlocked gate and entered the insecure shed.
(Reproduced from thisissomerset  4th Oct )
Gardien Comment:  See the article on Shed Security at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/shed-security-print.htm

Expensive garden ornaments stolen in Buriton (Hampshire)

 
Police are searching for thieves who stole a cast iron fountain, slate and saddle stones from a house at the end of a bridleway in Buriton.
The theft happened some time between 5.15pm on Monday, October 1 and 7.30am on Tuesday, October 2. The burglars got into the garden of the house on South Lane, Buriton, which is currently being renovated.
Once on the site, they took high value stones and ornaments. The stolen items are described as:
  • Four saddle stones which are a grey natural stone and mushroom shaped. All four stones together are valued at £1400
  • Sixteen square meters of Welsh slate valued at £1200
  • A cast iron fountain which had been painted white and had dolphins on it, valued between £1000 and £2000.
PC Jessica Sheedy, said: “The house is located at the end of a bridleway and vehicles would need to turn around in order to be able to exit South Lane. Did you see a vehicle in South Lane, or did you see anyone acting suspicously?
“I would also like to speak to anyone who has been offered any items for sale that they feel may have been stolen from this house, or anyone who knows anyone who has recently acquired such items.”
Anyone with any information should contact PC Sheedy at Alton police station on 101 or call Crimestoppers, the charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111 
(Reproduced from easthampshire.org 5th Sept)
Gardien Comment: Free advice and quality security products can be found at www.garden-security.co.uk   . 

Monday, October 1, 2012

Godalming firm donates crime awareness car to police

POLICE in Godalming have been handed the keys to a brand new crime reduction car aimed at tackling some of Waverley's most common thefts.

Absolute Security bosses Andy Rees and Sandy Busek hand the keys to Surrey Police's John Robini and neighborhood inspector Tom Budd.
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Waverley crime reduction advisor John Robini and neighbourhood inspector Tom Budd will soon be recognisable driving the Skoda Yeti around the area.
The vehicle features colourful cartoon crooks and is aimed at raising awareness of shed break-ins, number plate thefts and other thefts from vehicles in the borough.
Mr Robini said the designs and information will help motorists and residents tackle what are some of the more common thefts in Waverley.
"It's not only a vehicle for us to travel about in, but it is also addressing crime reduction," he said.
The vehicle was donated by Godalming firm Absolute Security, in Langham Park, after Mr Robini approached the firm asking for help sourcing a new car for Surrey Police.
Sandy Busek, managing director of Absolute Security, said: "We are very pleased to donate this vehicle. It's nice to be able to put something into the community and help out."

(Reproduced from godalmingpeople.co.uk, 28th Sept)

Gardien Comment: The more publicity about shed break-ins the better. See the article on Shed Security at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/shed-security-print.htm

Motor Reported Stolen In Ryde

The theft of a motor from an outboard RIB on the Isle of Wight is prompting a police appeal for more information.
 
The motor was unscrewed and stolen from the front garden of a house in Partlands Road, Ryde sometime between 6.30pm on Wednesday September 19, 2012 and 7.10am the next morning, according to police.
 
The Yamaha 25 2007 outboard motor is described as being blue in colour with a white propeller. It is believed to be worth approximately £1,000.
 
Investigating officer PC James Senior said:  “I am keen to hear from anyone who may know the whereabouts of the motor or who have any information that can assist in this investigation. It is believed that the offender would have been in the area for a considerable amount of time removing the motor and would have used a vehicle. I would like to take this opportunity to remind owners to try to keep equipment in secure storage overnight where possible.”
 
Please contact PC James Senior at Ryde Police Station by phoning 101.
 
(Reproduced from Isle of Wight Radio, 29th Sept)
 
Gardien Comment: Items of value such as an outboard motor should be stored securely, ideally in a secure metal container - see the range at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/Steel-Storage-Unit.aspx

Bottesford NHW Alert: Theft from Garden Shed


Another garden shed in the Grantham Road area was entered sometime between Fri 7th  and Sat 22 September. A valuable mountain bike, a cycle helmet, a hydration pack and a socket set were stolen. This follows similar attacks in this area a few weeks ago. It would seem wise for anyone with a garden shed or other outbuildings to review their security:
 
• Where possible remove more valuable items to a safer location in the house or garage
 
• As far as possible restrict access to sheds by locking/bolting gates and ensuring that garden fences are secure
 
• Fit a shed alarm - these are available from B&Q and Argos. They cost under £20 and are simple to fit taking about 15 minutes.
 
• If your shed has external hinges (eg T hinges) it is easy for a thief to gain access by unscrewing the screws. For each hinge replace two screws with coach bolts secured through the timber - one through the frame and one through the door.
 
• Standard hasp and staple or Breton bolts, typically used to secure sheds, offer little resistance to the most basic bolt croppers. Replace with heavy duty/ high security alternatives available from Homebase or most locksmiths costing less than £15.
 
• If your shed has windows, glass or plastic, fit additional timber or metal bars inside the window frame so that if the window is broken or removed access is still restricted.
 
• If possible improve lighting around the shed.
 

Remember that most thieves are looking for easy pickings. The harder you make it for them, the more chance is that they will look elsewhere.
 

John Shilton
 
Principal Coordinator
 
Bottesford Parish Neighbourhood Watch

 
(Reproduced from Bottesford NHW blog, 24th Sept)

Gardien Comment:  All the above is sound advice. More advice on Shed Security can be found at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/shed-security-print.htm