Streetwise Magazine, Norden & Bamford, March 2014 | Page 46

DEAR RESIDENTS,
Over recent months
there has been an
increase in incidents
of Burglary where
sheds are being
targeted by thieves.
This alarming statistic
is likely to continue as
seasonal trends
predict an increase
around this time of
year.
Whilst every effort is being made
by Rochdale Police to combat
this type of offence, including
high profile police patrols and
covert operations targeting
burglary hotspots and prolific
offenders, we would appeal to
the public to assist in the fight
against burglars by making sure
that their property is secure at
all times.
With this in mind I have set out
some helpful tips to ensure that
your sheds or outbuildings are
secured.
How secure is your shed?
Thefts from sheds, garages and
out-houses are on the increase.
The following crime prevention
advice is offered in an attempt to
prevent you becoming the next
victim,
• Always lock your shed doors
and windows. It's not always
enough to rely on a basic lock to
secure your shed. Invest in a
good quality padlock and, Instead
of screwing the hasp and staple
to the wood, why not bolt them
through it to make It more
difficult for thieves?
• Thieves often use bolt-cutters
to cut through padlocks so It is
wise to invest in a strong 'closed
shackle padlock.
• Don't forget to keep your shed
keys in a secure place inside the
house. Don't hide the keys In the
garden - thieves know where to
look.
• If you store your bicycle In the
shed, secure it using your bike
lock and an eye-bolt fastened to
the wall. Is your bicycle
registered? if not„ why not?
• Likewise with your lawnmower.
is it secured? Buy a strong chain
and padlock to secure it to the
wall.

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• Do you always lock your garden
tools away in the shed after
using them? If you leave tools
hanging around a -thief will use
them to break into your property
or that of your neighbour.
• Most people store power tools
and other valuable items in their
sheds. If possible store such
items indoors.
• Security mark your valuable
items with your postcode arid let
thieves know that your property
is postcoded by displaying a
sticker. Postcoded property is
less attractive to thieves.
• Do you keep a record of serial
numbers of valuable items? The
police have more chance of
recovering your property if It is
identifiable.
• If you must keep valuables in
the shed, store them out of sight
if possible. If thieves can see
what's Inside they can see
what's worth stealing.
Fishing tackle is often stored in
sheds. If possible keep it in a
secure cupboard or cabinet and
make sure you postcode all
Items.
• Can you see your shed from
your house? If your shed Is
obstructed from view a thief has
a better chance of breaking in
unobserved.
• Is the fencing around your
garden in a good state of repair?
If access to your garden and the
rear of your house Is easy, your
property is more vulnerable.
• Most people store paraffin,
paint, wood and paper In their
shed. Sheds make an easy target
for arsonist.
• Do you live in a Home watch
area? Why not set up a Home
Watch scheme in your area?
• If you see anything suspicious
do you report it to the police?
That stranger could be a thief.
Have you taken all necessary
steps to protect your property?
By farrowing the above advice
you can greatly reduce the
chance of your garage, stied or
out-house being entered and
your property stolen.
Rochdale Police are committed
to protecting residents from
becoming victims of burglary
and we would urge people to
help in that aim.
For more information or
advice please