Residential Burglary of Unconnected Building (Non-Dwelling

Dear Resident,

Between 08:30am on the 16th April 2026 and 17:30 on the 17th April 2026 a burglary took place in Mill Lane, Hertford.

The offender(s) have used an unknown item to gain access to the bike shed causing no damage.  Once access has been gained the offender has conducted a search of the bike shed and taken items from within the shed.

If you have any information relating to this crime you can click the reply button at the bottom of the email, or by contacting the police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime number 41/35258/26.

Alternatively, you can give information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Tips to prevent burglary:  

Take a look at your shed and consider how you would break in. It’s worth having a good padlock on the door with no exposed screws. Pay attention to hinges, as these are sometimes easily removable. If you have windows then these could be vulnerable unless they’re secured with wire mesh or grills. And keep it locked at all times.

Alarm it

Consider a battery-operated shed alarm. They look low key but they respond to movement or door contact with an extremely loud siren.

Lock it, hide it or mark it

Don’t give them the opportunity or the tools to commit a crime. Lock everything away securely. Tools can be locked inside a locker or box or secured with a chain.

Secure your bike to the ground or a lockable stand within a locked shed or garage. Visit Sold Secure to search for ground anchors and other locks designed to fix to floors and walls.

It’s always worth draping an old sheet or blanket over the top of mowers or bikes to keep them covered from view.

Although it might sound like stating the obvious, never leave your garage or shed door unlocked if you’re not around. Keep the door closed between uses so that no one can see what's inside. 

Property mark your items and take photographs of them. Some tools can be painted with your name or postcode and forensic marking is also an option. You can also register any item that has a serial number with Immobilise.

Please be vigilant and do report any suspicious activity or behaviour in the area.

If you need to report a crime please call 101 or go online here.

For more detailed advice, including a printable Home Security Self-Assessment, please visit the “Protect Your Home” section of our website: www.herts.police.uk/ProtectYourHome

Please consider completing the Priority Survey which feeds into the next round of the Local Neighbourhood Police Team Priorities:

Please click here to complete the survey