Police warn householders to secure garden sheds

COTSWOLDS’ police have warned householders to ensure they secure garden sheds in which expensive equipment will be stored this autumn.
Supported by Cotswold district’s Safer and Stronger Community Partnership, the police said opportunist thieves often target garden and allotment sheds where expensive tools and equipment are stored.
Officers asked residents to check the security of their sheds and outbuildings before storing items like bicycles and lawn mowers, which may not be regularly used during autumn and winter.
Police Constable Mark Godsland, Cotswold crime prevention design advisor, said: “Sheds and outbuildings are a favourite target for criminals because many can be broken into relatively easily if they don’t have adequate security, and they often contain expensive items such as power tools and bikes.
“Shed owners should check the vulnerability of their shed and make it more secure by investing in metal grilles for windows, reinforced hinges and strong locks and shed alarms.
“We would also suggest that items of equipment are property marked.”
For crime prevention tips and advice, visit the ‘Crime Reduction’ pages of Gloucestershire Constabulary’s website at www.gloucestershire.police.uk

(Reproduced from Cotswold Journal, 6th October)

GARDIEN TIP: If your wooden shed is beginning to show signs of age, replace it with a High Security Metal Storage Unit (see http://www.garden-security.co.uk/Steel-Storage-Unit.aspx). If the shed is still in good condition use some additional devices to make it secure - see the advice and products at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/shed-outbuilding-security.aspx