With the lighter nights and warmer weather approaching, Durham Police, in partnership with North East Crime Stoppers and Neighbourhood Watch, have provided some tips to help keep your gardens secure:
Make sure your shed is secure, locked and alarmed.
Secure items such as ladders and ornaments.
Keep a photographic record to help officers to trace items back to their owners.
Put all your tools, children’s bikes and toys securely away once they are finished with.
Consider installing outdoor motion-sensor security lights.
A thorny hedge along the boundary of your property can put thieves off, keep it low.
Burglars don’t like gravel, it’s noisy to walk on.
When planting, put heavy stones in the bottom of pots or planters to make them more difficult to be moved.
Always close your gate and secure it with a lock.
Use Neighbourhood Watch in your area.
For further information on how to prevent garden theft contact Durham Police on 101, or visit: www.durham.police.uk.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
