Get Sheducated and Lock Thieves Out

'Keep thieves locked out' is the message from South Bucks District Council.

Allotment and shed owners in South Bucks are being warned by South Bucks District Council’s Community Safety team that their garden shed has increasingly become a happy hunting ground for thieves. With the majority of houses being equipped with burglar alarms and other security measures, traditional burglars are opting for easy pickings at the end of the garden. It is also a sad fact that warm weather brings an increase in shed and garage burglaries

Neighbourhood Inspector Bhupinder Rai says, “Valuable equipment such as bicycles, lawnmowers, garden and power tools, are stored in sheds and garages, unlocked and often without adequate security measures in place. The shed, garage or out building is often situated well away from the house and is often easier to break into, and less likely to be alarmed.”

South Bucks District Councillor Anita Cranmer, Portfolio Holder for Community, says, “Sheds are notoriously easy to break into. Any padlock, no matter how expensive, if fitted onto a soft timber doorframe offers no real protection. Once in, the tools and other valuables are ready-to-hand and often not security marked. Some burglars will use your tools to break in to your home. So think about your shed and the equipment in it. Please take note of our tips and make your shed more secure.”

Some simple crime prevention tips include:

• Make sure that you lock your shed. Use strong padlocks and other locks. Fix padlock protectors to all padlocks. Replace exposed screws on hinges/locks with coach bolts.
• Fit an alarm to your shed. These are cheap and easy to install and can be very effective.
• Security mark the contents of your shed. Make a note of the serial numbers of any equipment. You may want to consider photographing valuable items.
• Check that your insurance covers thefts from your shed or garden.
• Fit an external security light that is activated by movement.
• Make sure that you put tools and ladders away after use.
• Secure any windows and prevent anyone from seeing into your shed by covering windows.
• Try to secure items such as bicycles to the structure of the building

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the South Bucks Community Safety Team on 01895 837200 or the South Bucks Crime Reduction Advisor at Thames Valley Police on 0845 8 505 505. You can also email communitysafety@southbucks.gov.uk.