Suspicious activity in rural villages

Good afternoon, Resident

We are making you aware of recent suspicious activities which has been reported to police. Incident 0002-03/08/2026 refers to a report of a suspicious vehicle parked near a farm in Susworth. Police attended and no crimes have been identified. There was no trace for this vehicle but the witness saw torchlights from a distance. 

Keeping your shed or garage safe and secure

Many people don’t secure their shed or garage in the same way they do their homes - often using an easy-to-break lock or padlock to protect valuable contents such as a car, bike or lawnmower.

An opportunistic burglar will try a shed or garage first because they can find the tools they need to break into the main house.

Shed and outbuilding security: first steps

First off, check that your insurance covers the contents of your shed or outbuildings from theft

Think like a thief

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.

Property marking your items is advisable and some tools can be painted with your name or postcode. Forensic marking is also an option. 

The top five most common items stolen from sheds

  Bikes

  Mowers

  Sports equipment

  Power tools

  Garden tools

If you need to report a crime to us, you can do so by calling us on 101, 999 in an emergency or by using our online reporting tool at Report a crime | Lincolnshire Police