Police offer garden crime prevention advice in New Mills following thefts

Police in New Mills (Derbyshire) are encouraging residents to keep their gardens secure after a number of thefts during the past few weeks.
The latest one took place sometime between 11.20am and 12.15pm on Friday, March 18 when a large metal tractor wheel was taken from the front garden of a property on Beech Avenue.
Two plant pots, a patio table and three garden planters have also been reported as stolen since Friday, March 11 from the gardens of three different properties on Highfield Terrace, New Mills and Thornsett and Hayfield Road in Birch Vale.
Local officers are now reminding residents to make sure that their gardens are secure, especially as the spring approaches.
PCSO Lee Baker of the New Mills and Hayfield 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 making sure items are securely stored in sheds or outbuildings, especially overnight or when out of the house.
“We also encourage residents to be good neighbours and to report any suspicious vehicles or people in their street.”
Other garden security advice includes:

■When planting, put heavy stone in the bottom of pots or planters to make them more difficult to be carried.

■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 should they be recovered.

■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, but make sure they don’t grow too high. 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.

The New Mills and Hayfield Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team is also encouraging residents to consider becoming a member of Neighbourhood Watch.

PCSO Baker added: “Neighbourhood Watch aims to help reduce and prevent crime, by improving communications with the police and may help to build closer communities. Residents who are involved become familiar with crime prevention and can display window stickers and street signs which act as a deterrent to thieves.”

For more information or advice please contact the New Mills and Hayfield Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team on 0345 123 33 33 or email newmills.neighbourhoods@derbyshire.pnn.police.uk

To report suspicious any activity you should call Derbyshire police on 0345 123 33 33

(Reproduced from Derbys Police, 21st March)

Gardien Tip:  The above advice and more can be found at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/ plus products to help deter garden crime.