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Weed
out the criminals
Burglary
is Britain's most
common crime and
green-fingered thieves
see your garden as
an easy target. The
research, carried
out by national house
builder, Hearthstead
Homes, has shown
that garden sheds
and garages are usually
overlooked when security
precautions are being
introduced in the
home. Although expensive
power tools are the
most common target,
garden gnomes, stone
flags and even koi
carp were amongst
the list of items
reported stolen in
the survey
Gardens
and sheds are an
easy target for thieves.
They're often insecure
and contain expensive
items such as tools
and furniture. Most
thefts are carried
out by opportunists
when there is vacant,
easy access. It's
important to be vigilant
and not give thieves
the chance. Hearthstead
Homes has compiled
some essential tips
to consider when
protecting your garden
and improving your
shed's security:
Physical
barriers around the
garden, such as a
high fence, wall
or boundary hedge,
are proven to deter
thieves. Using gravel
on paths near doors
and windows creates
a noisy deterrent
for intruders. Security
lights that activate
when they sense heat
and
ensure
that
any
unwanted
visitors
are
seen.
Earth
anchoring
devices
can
be
used
to
secure
permanent
outdoor
items.
Wooden
and
plastic
garden
furniture
should
be
post
coded
using
a
soldering
iron
to
mark
it
underneath.
Metal
items
can
be
coded
with
a
cycle
stamp
or
a
metal
etching
tool.
The
chains on hanging
baskets can be wired
to the hanging area,
making them difficult
to detach. Glass
windows in sheds
should be replaced
with unbreakable
Perspex. Translucent
sheeting can also
be attached to the
window to stop people
seeing inside. Your
house alarm can be
upgraded to include
the shed or inexpensive
battery alarms can
be installed. Garden
tools and cycles
should be attached
to steel rings, installed
into the shed floor.
Alternatively, link
tools together by
threading a chain
through their handles.
People
should also consider
what's kept in the
garden. Thieves can
use tools and ladders
to break into your
house. It's also
worth checking that
your home insurance
policy covers the
contents of your
garden shed and garage.
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