Crime fear as weather hots up (say Peterborough Police)

THE warmer weather has sparked a “garden raiders” warning from police to Peterborough householders.
Officers are urging householders to check the security of garden outbuildings as the weather warms up.
They are concerned because the spring often coincides with a rise in thefts from sheds, garages and gardens as people spend more time outside.
Items that are targeted can include high spec and ride-on mowers or expensive power tools.
Crime reduction officer Rachel Carr said most people were aware of the need to guard against house burglary, however, many do not consider sheds, garages and other outbuildings.
And police have warned that frequently tools and other items stolen from a garden shed or outbuilding have later been used to carry out out breaks-ins at domestic properties.
She said: “In some cases sheds have been broken into and tools or other equipment within were used to break into a home.
“People might be surprised at how even a dustbin left unsecured can be used by a burgler to commit a crime. “For instance a wheelie bin can be used to climb up to a first floor window - and obviously ladders provide a means for a burglar to break into a house.
She added: “Many garden sheds are out of sight in a rear garden. Residents should think about how an intruder might gain access.”
Now police are urging home owners to make sure they secure sheds and outbuildings with strong locks or even alarms and movement sensitive lights should also be installed..
They also advise that thorny shrubs should be planted beside fences and walls to increase security.

(Reproduced from The Peterborough Evening Telegraph, 24th March)

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