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. For independent advice on the use of domestic CCTV, click here.
- A locksmith from the Master Locksmiths Association will check to see whether your door is secure. The locksmith can also reinforce the frame and check if the locks and hinges are British Standard approved.
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.