Garden crime is growing

LOCK up your sheds and garages is the message from Suffolk police as the number of break-ins continue to grow.

Thefts of building and gardening equipment is one of the fastest growing crimes but could be nipped in the bud with a few simple security measures.

With Spring making an appearance more people are venturing out into their gardens and buying new equipment - a big attraction to would be thieves.

Tracey Hardy, Crime Reduction Officer for Suffolk police is urging people not to leave things of high value in sheds.

She said: "Although it is an all round problem, it does become more apparent at this time of year.

"People need to make sure that sheds and garages are well secured.

"We always tell people to mark their equipment with a postcode and their house number.

"Even if you have just bought a nice new lawnmower it won't hurt to paint your postcode down the side and it makes it far less attractive to thieves."

Mrs Hardy also encouraged people to buy big padlocks for their sheds rather than cheaper more flimsy versions as well as making sure that there is no easy access to the back garden for would be thieves.

Top tips for keeping your garden sheds and garages free of crime are:

1. Make sure your shed is good condition - if not take steps to improve it and don't leave valuable items like lawn mowers and power tools inside.

2. Never leave power tools, hedge trimmers or lawnmowers unattended even if you are just popping into the house.

3. It's no good securing shed doors if the windows are not safe - fit shed windows with an internal grill fixed to steel plates.

Garage windows should be fitted with re-enforced glass and a good lock.

4. Lock your garage or shed at all times - it only takes a minute to remove property, even if you are just making a cup of tea.

5. Take photos of any valuable garden ornaments so if they are stolen police can circulate the photos to dealers to look out for your property.