Thames Valley Police are receiving increasing reports of thefts from sheds, integral and detached garages. Please take some time to ensure your shed, garage and other garden buildings are safe and secure.
Although it might sound like stating the obvious, never leave your garage or shed door unlocked if you are not around. Please ensure integral garage doors and any internal doors to your property are locked and secure.
Please visit detached garages and ensure they are locked and secure.
Don’t give thieves the opportunity or the tools to commit a crime. Lock everything away securely. Tools can be locked inside a locker or box or secured with a chain.
Mark or etch your property with your postcode, house or flat number or the first three letters of your address. All of these measures help police identify stolen goods, making it harder for thieves to sell.
Consider a battery-operated shed alarm. They look low key but they respond to movement or door contact with an extremely loud siren.
Check that your insurance covers the contents of your shed or outbuildings from theft.
The top five most common items stolen from sheds are:
1. Bikes
2. Mowers
3. Sports equipment
4. Power tools
5. Garden tools
You can find further crime prevention advice on our website: www.thamesvalley.police.uk
Please contact us if you have any information relating to crime in your neighbourhood. Report online at www.thamesvalley.police.uk call us on 101 or in an emergency dial 999.
Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on free phone 0800 555 111.
