Protect your Property
Protect your property
Garden Sheds have recently become the target for
criminals in the South of Edinburgh area, which is a worrying trend for
local residents. All the more worrying is the fact that most of the
break-ins have been of a determined nature where the security has been
overcome by the use of force. In particular many of the padlocks fitted
by the owners of sheds have been forced off.
In view of this latest development Sergeant Steve
Harding from the Community Safety Department at St Leonard's Police
Station has listed below measures that can be taken by garden shed
owners to reduce the chances of them becoming victims to this type of
crime.
The padlock which secures the door is an important
feature as far as crime prevention is concerned so it is vital that the
best type is used to deter any attempt to break-in to the shed. Contact
your crime prevention officer for exact specifications.
You should also consider fitting the windows of your
shed with internal grilles or even using heavy wire mesh. Reinforced
glass is a good alternative. If the window opens, a window lock should
be used. You could also consider using a curtain to stop the thief
seeing what is inside the shed.
You may also wish to consider installing a garden shed
alarm which is reasonably inexpensive. These can be purchased in most
DIY stores, garden centres and in many cases at your local police
station. Howdenhall and indeed St Leonard's Police Station offer this
service through the South Edinburgh Crime Prevention Panel.
A gravel path is a good crime prevention alternative
to paving slabs or lock-blocks. If the gravel is laid fairly thickly it
will crunch underfoot and act as a deterrent to the thief.
You may also wish to consider installing security
lighting to illuminate your garden. Passive infra red sensors can switch
on when movement is detected.
Plants and shrubs which are prickly, such as Berberis,
Hawthorn, Pyracantha, Holly and Roses - including climbing and wild
varieties - will help to deter an intruder. You should also consider
choosing low growing plants which will not provide a hiding place for
the thief. Contact your local garden centre for advice.
Marking your property can act as a deterrent to theft
and may also help the police to return it if it is stolen and
subsequently recovered. An ultraviolet pen is available from DIY stores
and stationers.
To be effective security marking must be clearly
visible. Hidden marks do not deter theft unless they are backed up by
visible ones - a tamper proof label for instance.
Ensure that your garden furniture has been security
postcoded. This can be done by marking with paint, engraving, scraping -
or where appropriate - ultraviolet pen. Be mindful that garden furniture
can be used by the thief as a climbing aid to gain entry to your home.
Ensure that all your gardening tools, including your
lawnmower, have been security postcoded. Linking garden tools with a
chain and padlock when not in use will also reduce the chances of theft.
Finally should you wish for further information on
crime prevention measures which you can adopt please do not hesitate to
contact Constable Andrew Cameron at Howdenhall Police Station on 0131
666 2222. Constable Cameron has only recently taken over from Donna Tait
as the Crime Prevention Officer at Howdenhall. Donna has decided to take
a two year career break from the police and we wish her well.
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