Garden Wise

Practical advice on how to reduce the chances of theft from your garden.

SHEDS AND OTHER SMALL BUILDINGS
1. Take steps and ensure that your shed is sound and in good condition checking both its fabric and appearance.
2. Once the fabric of a building is sound you can then improve physical security:
 - Fit a good lock on the shed door
 - The padlock itself should be of the 'close shackle' type, made of hardened steel
 - Fit an alarm
 - Fit all windows with a grille
3. When you are satisfied that your building is secure, USE the locks at all times.

PROPERTY
Don't make it easy to steal them and remember that tools stolen from your shed could be used to burgle your house.

• Post Code all Property
• Take photographs of any valuable garden ornaments
• Never leave items unattended, especially valuable ones

ALLOTMENTS
Allotments are harder to protect but much of the above advice can be applied to them.

• Get to know your neighbours on the allotment
• Remember - don't leave expensive equipment on site if you can avoid it

GARAGES
Ensure the structure is sound and in good condition, especially timbers around the doors and any windows.

• Up and over doors should be fitted with an additional lock to the one provided
• Keep timber doors well maintained, hinges secured by bolts and locked by good quality mortice locks
• Separate pedestrian access doors should be of solid construction and fitted with a good quality 5 lever mortice lock
• Main garage doors should be internally secured with at least 1 Key operated lock
• Windows should be treated in a similar way to those of sheds
• Fit a small space alarm or, if possible, include your garage on your house alarm

OUTDOORS
• Install security lights to illuminate your garden
• Keep shrubs, hedges and large plants cut back
• Check your boundary fences, walls and gates - keep them in good repair
• Get your neighbours to keep an eye on your garden at all times of the day and night
• Report anything suspicious to the police as soon as possible

Should you need further crime prevention advice please contact:
01633 838 111

The information on this page is distilled from the Gwent Police leaflet
'Garden Wise' which you can download below: