Lock up your lawnmower

Monday 17 March 2014

Police are warning homeowners to lock up their garden sheds and garages after a spate of thefts in the east of the Island targeting gardening equipment and power tools.

There have been seven break-ins so far this year, which the Police say is an unusually high number but in some cases could have been prevented if property had been better secured.

Inspector Steve Langford said: “Garden sheds are too often easy targets for criminals. This is a great concern to the police because it is clear that shed thefts can be prevented if a reasonable level of security was put in place. We are encouraging people to install good quality locks to all garden sheds and also to property mark their equipment using UV marker pens, paint or engraving.”

They say these tips should help keep thieves at bay:

• Record the model and serial numbers of equipment like lawnmowers, bicycles and tools on immobilise.com

• Install security lighting in the garden

• Make sure fences and gates are kept in good condition

• Fit a good quality lock to your shed and make sure it’s secure

• Lock your windows

• Keep hedges and shrubs cut back so that thieves won’t have a hiding place

• Plant prickly hedges around the perimeter to make it difficult to get into the garden

• Think about installing an alarm in the shed

• Consider having a gravel path or driveway – it discourages thieves because it makes a noise

• Lock ladders to a post or wall so that thieves can’t use them to access your home.

The police want anyone who has information about the break-ins to call CID officers on 612200 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.