Shed-loads of ways to lock-out thieves

BETTER safe than sorry . . . local resident Dennis Beswick, PCSO Eileen Dunnion and PC Alan Perkins

CHADDERTON residents are being urged to avoid ‘shed-ache’ by following simple security advice.

Chadderton neighbourhood policing team’s Shedache campaign aims to raise awareness of shed break-ins and urge homeowners to secure their out buildings.

Fishing equipment, bicycles, power tools and lawn mowers are the top four items traditionally taken from shed and garage thefts.

But by following some simple tips residents can help make their sheds more secure and make them less attractive to thieves.

They include:

::Checking the fabric of a shed to make sure it is secure and free from decay.

::Consider installing a strong grille or heavy wire mesh around windows to increase security.

::Fit a quality lock, such as a closed shackle padlock and bolting the fittings to the door, with a steel panel fitted on the inside of the door.

::Fit an energy-efficient dusk to dawn light, as this will deter thieves.

::Post-code items that you store in the shed and keep a record of any serial numbers.

::Mark property whenever possible using a visible ink pen or paint to deter thieves.

::Make sure it is always locked when left unattended and that any garden tools are put away safely inside.

::Use a heavy duty chain to secure valuable items within a shed to make sure they are protected even if somebody does break in.

Sergeant Kam Hare, of the Chadderton neighbourhood policing team, said: “Experience shows us that this type of crime increases in the spring and summer months, but that a few precautions to secure outbuildings can really help put off opportunist thieves.

“Bicycles, power tools, lawnmowers and fishing equipment are among the items most commonly stolen each year.

“This equipment can cost hundreds of pounds so it is important residents do all they can to protect it.

“Tools stolen from sheds could potentially be used by criminals to break into homes so it is important that residents help us by following our simple security advice.”

Residents are also encouraged to join their local Home Watch scheme and work together in the fight against crime.

Home Watch has been hailed as one the largest and most successful crime prevention initiatives across the force and has a proven track record in significantly reducing crime in local communities.

Peter Lee, watch scheme administrator at Greater Manchester Police’s Oldham Division, said: “Residents can help us to beat burglars, bogus callers and other suspicious characters by getting involved in a local Home Watch scheme.

“Through regular meetings, neighbours can share information with each other and the police.

“We can then respond to these concerns and work together with residents to make their neighbourhood a safer and more pleasant place to live.”

For more information, contact Peter Lee, watch scheme administrator on 0161-856 9054.