Close the garden gate on crime - police advise

THE PSNI have issued a timely, seasonal reminder to householders to secure sheds, outbuildings and garden property.

Local Neighbourhood Inspector Alison Ferguson said: “Securing your shed is important and burglars will take advantage of any opportunity to gain easy access. Make sure that doors are solid enough not to be kicked in and fit strong closed shackle padlocks.

“You should never leave a garage or garden shed unlocked, especially if it has a connecting door to the house. A thief could get in and work on the inner door in privacy.

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“Ideally, expensive equipment and toys should not be stored in a shed however if you have no alternative, ensure you permanently mark items and keep a record of what you have stored. UV pens can be used to invisibly mark your property with your postcode.

“Make sure large items such as bicycles are chained together too as it’s more difficult for a thief to carry away large heavy items.

“Ladders should be locked to a secure fixture in the shed or garage so they cannot be used to access upstairs windows.”

“To make your shed secure ensure that meshes or grills are fitted to the windows and invest in an alarm. It is also worth checking that your household insurance policy covers garden or shed equipment and find out if any minimum security standards apply,” said Inspector Ferguson.

If you require any crime prevention advice, contact your local crime prevention officer on 0845 600 8000.

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