Break-ins to garden sheds, garages and thefts from gardens are common throughout the country and police have issued tips to make them more secure –
• Make sure the lock is in good working order. Fit a mortise lock (BS3621:2007) and/or use a good quality closed shackle padlock on your shed door. The hasp should be attached using coach bolts or anti tamper screws.
• If there are any windows in the garage/shed, fit a grill, adhesive frosting or put a curtain over the window.
• Fit a shed alarm. These can be bought online for around £10.
• Secure all the equipment including bicycles that you can by padlock and chain, make sure it is attached to the building – a ground anchor is preferable.
• Security mark your bicycles, lawnmowers, toolboxes and garden furniture, by engraving, painting or using a DNA security marker kit and register these.
• Consider installing a garage defender, which secures the door to the ground.
• Surrounding hedges or trees should be trimmed or cropped so as not to provide cover for thieves.
• Clear your garden all of debris, rubble and tools that may be used to force entry.
• Install security lighting to illuminate your garden.
• Consider topping your fence or wall with a trellis, which will provide an additional barrier and provide support for climbing plants.
• Aggressive plants and shrubs, such as Berberis and Hawthorn can help deter intruders.
• Sign up to local alerts provided by Police at; https://www.neighbourhoodwatchscotland.co.uk/
• If purchasing security products look for items endorsed with the Sold Secure or Secured by Design logo.
If you see anyone acting suspiciously near to your premises please contact the police immediately with as detailed a description as possible of any person or vehicle involved.
Please call 999 if an emergency and urgent police assistance is required or 101 if not urgent to report the matter to the police.
Further advice also available at https://www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/home-and-personal-property/secure-your-garden-and-outbuildings and www.securedbydesign.com
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
