Police launch new bid to beat shed burglars

POLICE in South Tyneside have launched a new bid to beat shed burglars.
They are handing out signs which can be attached to garden sheds and outhouses, letting would-be burglars know that no bikes or other items of value are stored inside.
The signs will be given to previous victims of shed burglary and those living in areas affected by the crime, and have been paid for with cash from Safer South Tyneside.
Officers are also continuing to patrol identified areas to deter and target thieves.
As well as using the signs, they are urging people to secure their gardens and sheds to keep would-be thieves at bay.
Inspector Peter Sutton said: “We continue to focus our attentions on areas where thieves are known to have struck.
“The signs have worked well in the past, and are yet another tool in our efforts to cut shed break-ins.
“However, we do still need people’s help, and would urge them to take responsibility for their property by ensuring their sheds are secure and, where possible, to refrain from storing high-value items inside them.
“If there is a need to do so, make sure the property is marked with postcodes so there’s a chance the item can be returned if stolen and recovered.
“Bikes should always be locked, even inside the shed, and secured to an anchor point.
“Locks should be used on garden gates and no items left lying round the garden.
“Shed-bars and alarms are also an effective crime prevention tool and can be bought at DIY stores relatively inexpensively.”
Coun Tracey Dixon, South Tyneside Council’s lead member for community safety, said: “Protecting our residents and reducing the fear of crime is very important to us.
“I’m delighted that we are able to provide people with crime prevention measures such as these signs through Safer South Tyneside funding.
“I hope that they prove an effective deterrent to would-be burglars.”
Further crime prevention advice is available on the Northumbria Police website, www.northumbria.police.uk.

(Reproduced from Shields Gazette  24th Sept)
Gardien Comment: See the article on Shed Security at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/shed-security-print.htm