Help protect your home, garden, shed and pet from opportunistic thieves by following this simple advice:
Your home
- Lock all windows and doors – even if you’re at home
- Ensure no items are on display, and remove valuables from your vehicle at night
- If you have elderly neighbours, keep an eye on them
- A well-lit home gives the impression someone is in
- Leave a light on or use timer switches so lights come on when it gets dark
- Don’t leave your house and vehicle keys in the lock or on a side table in view of a window
- Don’t leave curtains closed during the day – only in the evening and overnight
- If you have a house alarm, use it
- Consider installing a security light and/or CCTV or doorbell camera
Your garden
- Keep fences and gates in good repair
- Securely lock gates
- Install security lighting
- Don’t leave expensive items lying around
Your shed
- Make sure it is in good condition
- Fit a substantial lock on the door
- Use grilles on any windows
- Consider using a shed alarm
- Security mark your property
- Don’t leave high value items in your shed - keep these safely within your home
- Use coach bolts or non-return screws to secure door hinges
- Visibly and permanently mark any property stored in your shed, keeping a note of any serial numbers
- Chain tools, lawnmowers, strimmers, ladders etc to a fixed object inside the shed where possible
- Consider locating your shed where you can see it from your house
Your dog(s)
Owners are reminded to:
- Keep your dog in view when it goes out into the garden
- Ensure your garden/yard is secure
- Lock all of your doors
- Vary your walking times and routes
- Ensure your dog is microchipped
- Keep your dog on a lead when out on a walk
If you have any information that can help officers, wish to report a dog theft or have seen anything suspicious please contact us on 101.