Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Police appeal after Doncaster garden theft

They have released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to about the alleged incident, which is believed to have occurred around 1pm on Friday, February 1.
A metal garden furnace was stolen from the garden of a property on Lord Porter Avenue, Stainforth.
The man is described as white, aged between 25 and 35, about 5ft 10ins tall, with short dark hair. He was wearing a grey top with a black shirt underneath, blue jeans and white trainers. It is believed he was with a small girl, aged about three years old.
Anyone with information about the alleged incident is urged to contact South Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 896 of February 2.
(Reproduced from Doncaster Free Press, 20th Feb)
Gardien Comment: Metal theft continues to be a probem so minimise the possibility of unwanted people entering your garden. Follow the advice at www.garden-security.co.uk

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Anger as thieves plunder butterfly garden

A NATURE lover is furious after his bird feeders were stolen for the third time from a South Tyneside cemetery.
Every winter, Rob Adair hangs out a number of feeders in Westoe Cemetery’s ‘butterfly garden’ in South Shields.
However, over the last four months 11 containers have been taken – with four being stolen last weekend alone.
Rob, a Coastal Conservation Group member from Salisbury Street, South Shields, said: “It’s very annoying. Someone has purposely gone and removed them.
“They’ve had to actually cut the cable ties which were securing them.
“This is the third time this has happened. On the first weekend we put them up in October, five were taken. In December, another two went, and now four have been removed at some point over the weekend.
“Over the winter feeding period, I spend £120 of my own money on the equipment and food. The feeders might only cost a few pounds, but that’s not the point.”
Mr Adair, who runs Rob Adair Pet Care, uses a number of different types of feeders which store nuts and fatballs for birds.
Since he started his winter feeding regime three years ago, 37 different species of birds have been recorded at the site off Erskine Road.
He said: “Lots of people tell me that they love seeing the birds feeding there, I think it’s very educational.
“South Tyneside is very popular with birds, there’s always plenty to spot.”
Mr Adair believes his feeders keep getting stolen because the area, which was formerly the cemetery’s lodge house until it was demolished, had its grass pruned right back last year.
He added: “The grass was left to grow naturally, but I know some people complained and it was then cut right back.
“This makes it easier to spot the feeders. I think that’s why so many are being removed.”

(Reproduced from Jarrow and Hebburn Gazette, 7th Feb)

Gardien Comment: Not expensive items but a huge nuisance - unfortunately you have to reckon that anything unattended could be subject to theft so you need to think "security" at all times. Feeders should be sited as high as possible by using a pole with a hook to hang them well out of reach on thin branches.

Monday, February 4, 2013

Police offer security advice after spate of garden thefts


Police in the Dronfield area are encouraging residents to keep gardens secure after a number of thefts during the past few weeks.

A total of 10 plant pots and plants have also been reported stolen since the start of January, from gardens on Hawkshead Avenue and Carr Lane, Dronfield Woodhouse and Gainsborough Road, Dronfield.

Local officers are appealing for information and reminding residents to make sure their gardens are secure, especially as the spring approaches.

PCSO Richard Lee of the Dronfield Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We would ask residents to keep an eye out on their gardens and to avoid leaving valuable items in a place where they could be stolen by an opportunist thief.

“You can help to reduce the potential of having belongings stolen by keeping items in a back garden, which has secure access or if possible. We also encourage residents to be good neighbours and to report any suspicious vehicles or people in their street.”

General garden security advice includes:
When planting, put heavy stone in the bottom of pots or planters to make them more difficult to be moved.
If possible, anchor valuable garden ornaments or furniture to the ground and keep a photographic record to help officers to trace items back to their owner.
Security mark items in your shed and any valuable items that might be in your garden.
Make sure your shed is secure, that there are no panels which could be easily damaged and fit good quality locks and an alarm.
Consider securing items such as ladders, bikes or large power tools in your shed by chaining them to a strong anchor point.
Put all your tools and any children’s bikes or outdoor toys securely away once they are finished with.
Planting bushes with prickly leaves or thorns close to any entry points could deter a potential thief. A gravel pathway or driveway can also act as a good deterrent.
Consider installing outdoor motion-sensor security lights.
If you are away on holiday, ask your neighbours or a friend to keep an eye on your home and garden.
(Reproduced from The Postcode Gazette, 4th Feb)

(Gardien Comment: Further garden security advice and a range of high quality security products can be found at www.garden-security.co.uk )

Saturday, February 2, 2013

GAYWOOD: Double bike theft from back garden

Two bikes were stolen from a back garden in Gaywood earlier this week.
They were taken from a property on Regency Avenue some times between 6.30pm on Tuesday, January 29, and 7.30am the following morning.
One bike is a Raleigh AT40 with a black frame and white rims on the wheels.
The other is a Viking Sprint road racing bike with a red frame and curved racing handle bars. This bike had flat tyres when it was taken so someone may have noticed it being ridden or pushed in an odd way.
Anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area is asked to contact PC Pete Burt at Lynn police station on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

(Reproduced from Lynn News, 1st February)

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

Crucifix stolen from garden in Cromer

The cast iron crucifix was originally an art nouveau French head stone from around 1900. It was taken from a property on Norman Troller Court, the site of the old Cromer Junior School, sometime between 2.30pm on Saturday, January 26 and 8am the following day.

It was painted silver when it was taken but was originally cast iron brown.
Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area, or who may know where the crucifix now is, should contact PC Simon Nash at Cromer police station on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

(Reproduced from Eastern Daily Press, 31st January)

Gardien Comment: See the advice at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/garden-antiques-security.aspx _of_the_skype_highlightingE