Crime Reduction Advisors top tips for summer

Lock it up! Crime Reduction Advisor locks shed

Jackie Dickinson and Brian Farr, Greater Manchester Police’s Crime Reduction Advisors for Rochdale, Middleton and Heywood have warned that with summer fast approaching people find themselves able to go back out into the garden to enjoy the great outdoors, but while residents bask in the sun and toil in their gardens, they need to be aware of the opportunities they present to burglars.

Following a long winter, the garden is bursting with blooms and out from the shed, garage or store comes the barbecue, the lawn mower, patio table and chairs and a whole host of gardening tools people use to keep their gardens and green spaces ship-shape. 

Jackie commented: “People often don't realise just how much they have of value in the shed or garden.  Power tools, patio sets and other garden equipment can add up to a pretty penny - don't forget this when thinking about improving your security.”

She added: “The more would-be burglars we can stop in their tracks by taking some simple, common sense steps, the better the summer will be for the people of Rochdale Borough and for the safety and security of our homes.”

Top tips to secure your garden this summer include:

• Secure your garage or shed. These are easy targets and need protecting to stop a burglar stealing your gardening equipment or accessing these tools to break into your home.  Think about whether your garage or shed is the best place to store expensive items.  Use window locks on all opening garage and shed windows and replace or repair any broken glass.  Fit steel mesh or grilles internally and a curtain or nets so that items cannot be seen.
• Lock it up! Don’t make it easy for the burglar by leaving your tools out while you are not in the garden.  A garden spade could be used to break in through a door and patio furniture left out overnight could be stolen or used to help a burglar get a leg up to an upstairs window.  Keep your possessions locked up and if possible, secured together by a padlock and chain in case your shed or garage is broken into.  Fit a good quality hasp, staple and padlock to the door of the shed or garage.
• Use or install security lighting. Motion sensor lighting could stop a burglar in their tracks.
• Add gravel to your paths. This low cost (and low maintenance) technique will deter a burglar because gravel is so noisy!  The sound of someone walking on gravel at night will carry very well and could easily wake someone or a family dog.
• Use prickly plants. Plants with thorns and sharp edges can also be used to keep burglars at bay, such as roses or hawthorn.  Prickly plants can provide extra protection, as would-be burglars won’t want to injure themselves trying to clamber over them.
• Use an alarm. It needn’t be difficult and battery operated alarms are freely available and can act as a deterrent.  If you have a house alarm, you could have it upgraded to include your shed or garage. 
• Get insured. Does your contents insurance cover the shed and garage and all the equipment you store there?  If not, perhaps it is time to upgrade your policy to include these things.
• Keep a list. Do you have a list of what you keep in the garage or shed? Have you security marked your garden tools and possessions with a bold marker pen, including your postcode and house number?  Lawn mowers and other tools are less attractive to a thief if you write your postcode and house number across the top.
• Watch out! Ask your neighbours to keep an eye on your shed and your house and offer to do the same for them in return.  And remember, if you are out enjoying the sun in the garden, have you left any windows or doors in your house open that could invite a burglar to pop in and steal something?
• Keep it clear. If your shed is hidden behind plants, cut down the foliage so you're not providing cover for a thief.  Make sure that there are no ‘hiding places’ in your garden for any would-be burglar.  Keep front walls, hedges and fences at 3ft tall so that you can see anyone approaching your home.

For further crime prevention advice, Rochdale, Middleton & Heywood residents can contact Jackie Dickinson or Brian Farr, Rochdale Division Crime Reduction Advisors, on 0161 856 8475/8.