DON’T leave expensive equipment like garden tools, mowers and bikes lying around your garden unattended and insecure, say Police.
The plea comes as spring arrives and with it, say officers, the risk of thefts from gardens and sheds.
Keep your shed in good condition – fit a closed shackle padlock to the door, fittings should be bolted through the door and screws concealed, fit grills or mesh to the windows and invest in an alarm.
Large items such as bikes should be chained together to make it more difficult for a thief to carry away.
Mark your garden tools and equipment with your postcode. Well positioned external lighting is a great way of keeping intruders at bay and can be purchased from most large DIY stores.
They also say if you’ve got a pond with expensive koi carp swimming in it, take a picture of the fish so if stolen it could be identified. Also consider installing CCTV, movement initiated night lighting and if your pond is small enough, fitting a secure grill over the top.
