Prime time for garden thieves

South Wales Police have issued advice for the prevention of garden theft

With the unexpected sunshine, many gardeners will be enjoying pruning and planting. But this is also prime time for opportunist thieves, warns South Wales Police.
Advice has been issued to Cardiff residents regarding the prevention of garden thieves.
The advice is summarised as follows:
*Add loose trellises to fences or walls around your back garden, these are too unstable to climb over and can provide excellent terrain for climbing plants such as fast growing vines and honeysuckle
*Use gravel for paths as the idea of creating noise will deter the opportunist thief
*Prune low tree branches to avoid providing cover or potential access to the house
*Position security lighting at vulnerable exits or somewhere that will cast obvious shadows
*Give garden gates three bolts - top, middle and bottom, and padlock the middle one to prevent burglars exploiting a weakness
*Never leave tools out as they can be used to break in
*Sheds and garages are popular targets - ensure security with at least one heavy duty hasp and closed-shackle padlock
*Mark your gardening equipment and valuables with your postcode and house number. In most cases engraving will be most suitable
*Anchor expensive garden furniture to the ground - lock your hanging baskets

(Reproduced from Guardian - Cardiff 22nd April)

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