Advice on shed and outbuilding security

Posted on March 05 2014

Police are advising residents to be alert following a number of thefts from sheds and outbuildings across the Chesterfield, Bolsover, North East Derbyshire and Amber Valley areas.

Items including bicycles, gardening equipment and tools have been stolen from sheds, outhouses and garages in eleven incidents which have been reported since Tuesday, February 25.

Officers are urging residents to review their security around sheds and outbuildings, and free anti-theft screws are being offered to local people.

The screws, which are being offered to residents free of charge, are special ‘one way’ devices that simply replace the standard screws and are fitted to hinges and prevent them from being tampered with.

Community Safety Inspector Russell Dakin said: “It’s starting to get towards the spring now so it is a good time to review the security around any sheds, garages or outbuildings you may have, especially in light of the recent incidents.

“They are great storage spaces, but the items in there may be quite costly to replace, in particular things like bicycles and power tools. There might also be equipment in there which could be used to break into your home.”

Insp. Dakin added: “Please check that your shed and its contents are as secure as they can be, and use good quality locks. I would encourage residents to check their outbuildings regularly and to contact the police as soon as possible if you find it has been broken into or if you notice any suspicious activity.”

• Always make sure your shed, garage or outhouse is locked.
• Install security lighting around sheds and garages
• Fit high-quality padlocks on all shed and garage doors
• If your outbuilding has windows, consider reinforcing them with wood to deter thieves
• If you store bikes or high-value lawn mowers in your outbuilding, install a fixed post inside that you can chain them to
• Keep tools in a locked box
• Fit a shed alarm
• Mark your property with a UV pen or Smartwater

If you would like more advice, or to pick up some anti-theft screws, please contact your local Safer Neighbourhood policing team by calling 101, or visit your nearest police enquiry office.