When asked what is in their shed many people will answer something like ‘just a few old tools’, ‘a bit of fishing tackle’ ‘the kids toys’, ‘nothing much just junk’.  Because people think that the contents of their shed have little value they pay little attention to shed security.

But what if your had to replace the contents of your shed, just how much would it cost?

Tips to nip garden crime in the bud

*Gates fences and walls should be kept in good repair to stop intruders getting in.  Keep hates locked at all times.

*If you have nowhere else to store valuable equipment, take measures to secure your shed with a good quality padlock, or security system.  Consider having lockable steel boxes fitted to the floor to store your tools.

*Mark all removable items with your postcode and house number, register property at www.immobilise.com or www.bikeregister.com

*Strong gates, fences and walls which are kept in good repair can deter intruders from getting to the back and sides of your property.

*Make sure garden fences are high enough to make climbing them difficult.  A trellis can be used to add additional height.

*Don't leave ladders and tools lying around in your garden - these could be used to break into your home.

*High value items such as bicycles and lawn mowers should be shackled together ideally to the fabric of the building itself.

*Obscure the window of your shed/garage to prevent thieves seeing what you have inside.

*Use signage to let offenders know you have security marked your property and a member of a Watch Scheme.

Defensive planting

Think about using defensive planting around vulnerable areas such as windows, fences, boundary wall and drainpipes.  Examples include : Berberis, Rosa Rugisa 'Rubra', Pyrancantha, Holly, Hawthorn.  Ask your local garden centre for advice.

In an emergency call 999 for non emergencies call 101, thank you for helping us fight  crime.