Dear Resident

More than 120 shed and outbuilding burglaries occurred around the county since the beginning of March, with Dacorum (28) , St Albans (22) and Welwyn Hatfield (17) having the highest number of offences.

Follow these tips to make your garden and outbuildings more secure:

• Always lock your shed, preferably with two 'hasp and staple' locks (one near the top and one near the bottom of the door) or use or an alarmed padlock.

• Secure your rear garden by locking entry gates with a padlock.

• Burglars can use garden tools to break in, so make sure you securely lock away any tools after use.

• Ensure boundary fences are secure and in good condition. Spiky plants along garden boundaries are good additional deterrents.

• Tools and gardening equipment should be visibly marked with your postcode and house number - this can deter thieves and help police identify the rightful owner.

• Remember to lock your garage door securely. Metal ‘up and over’ doors can be secured with extra locks fitted either side and/or a floor-mounted locking ‘T’ bar with a closed shackle padlock. Wooden garage doors can be secured with two substantial ‘hasps and staple’ locks and closed shackle padlocks (your local DIY store can advise on the most secure options).

• Make access to the rear of your property difficult, keep rear/side gates closed and locked and ensure boundary walls/fences are in good repair.

• Keep wheelie bins secured so they cannot be moved or used as climbing aids.

• Plant defensive spiky plants under windows such as berberis, roses and pyracantha. Watch our defensive plants video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aZkTjQVYJs.

• Most bicycles are stolen from home so ensure they are kept in secure sheds, outbuildings and garages. Consider installing ground anchors if you have a concrete floor. If not, look for security rated products specifically for wooden and metal sheds.

• Take extra security precautions for storing expensive bikes, it is recommended that they are security marked and registered at www.bikeregister.com.

For more detailed security advice, please visit www.herts.police.uk/protectyourhome.

If you have any questions, please press ‘Reply’ at the bottom of this message to get in touch with us directly. I am always happy to discuss any concerns you may have. Likewise, you can tell us how useful this message was to you by hitting the “Rate” button (thumbs up/down) at the bottom of this message. 

As always, thank you for reading. 

Kind regard

James