A bitter harvest for theft-hit gardeners

Fine gardening weather has been tempting thieves to harvest power tools and machinery from sheds, gardens and garages.
Bernard Plume, West Suffolk's crime prevention officer, warned: "Many people may be working in their gardens this summer, but at the end of a day's work it is not just a case of making sure tools and other items are put away in a garage or garden shed, you must make sure that you have effective security." When you go to purchase a padlock or locking device ensure that it is of good quality and consider fitting a shed alarm. If you have any expensive equipment make sure that you mark it and you have the serial numbers and photos of the property." In just two days last week, thieves stole thousands of pounds worth of power tools and garden machinery in three raids. A chainsaw, lawnmower, hedge trimmer and leaf blower, all made by Stihl, were stolen from an insecure shed at The Pound, Hawstead. The following day a Black and Decker sander and Makita drill were taken from another insecure shed at Hethersett Way, Red Lodge. In a separate raid on the same day, in Hervey Road, Bury St Edmunds, thieves cut chains securing a John Deere mower and flatbed trailer then used the trailer to take the mower away. Police will be visiting areas of St Edmundsbury in the next few weeks to offer crime prevention advice, but anyone wanting to discuss crime prevention can call Bernard Plume on 01284 774141. If you have any information on the thefts, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

(Reproduced from the Bry Free Press, August 28th)

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