Police reminder about shed and vehicle security

Posted on November 04 2011

This is a general reminder about shed & vehicle security, especially as nights are starting to draw in.

Please make sure your sheds are protected against thieves with the following advice.

  • Think about how someone could access your garden through a gate or over a fence.
  • Put your shed so you can clearly see the door and window whilst still inside your home.
  • Use a good quality lock on the door. If you use a hasp, ensure the screws are covered and cannot be accessed by a screw driver. Alternatively use non returnable security screws or coach bolts instead. A closed shackle padlock is less easy to access and cut with a bolt cutter. If you are fitting a mortice lock ensure the door panel and frame are strong enough to hold the fixtures.
  • Ensure the hinges cannot be easily removed. Another option is to put a padlock on both sides of the door.
  • Make sure the doors and panels of the shed are strong enough not to be kicked in or forced by bodily pressure.
  • Cover the windows and fit Perspex or laminated glass which will offer good protection.
  • Cover the shed with a PIR security light.
  • Fit an alarm. Many DIY stores sell battery powered alarms that are easy to install.
  • Use a ground or wall anchor to secure your bike or other large items in the shed. Lock valuables together to prevent them being easily removed. Visibly and permanently mark your property. It helps identify it as yours and is less desirable for a thief.

For vehicles

  • Please always make sure that your car is locked and that all the windows are fully secure before you leave it, especially at night. Please also make sure that there is nothing of any value left on show in your vehicle. Remove mobile phones, Sat Navs, coats, bags and anything else that could tempt a thief to try breaking into your car.

You can greatly reduce your chance of becoming a victim of this type of crime by taking an extra minute to check that your vehicle is secure and that nothing is on display inside.

Recently in Clay Cross an operation identified seventy vehicles in three hours where items had been left on display including clothing, tools, cash, handbags & electronic gadgets. These are all potential targets for an opportunist thief & a damaged window can cost more to repair than the item taken.

Further security advice can be obtained from your local Safer Neighbourhood Team on 101.