Cops advise Sandwell shed safety

SANDWELL residents are being urged to stay extra vigilant after an increase in shed and allotment burglaries.
Police say summer months traditionally see a rise in thefts from gardens and sheds due to the lighter evenings and warmer weather - and are advising residents to take several measures to reduce the risk of becoming a victim.
These include putting all tools and equipment out of view, ensuring all outside sheds and storage cupboards are securely locked when not in use and bringing tools inside after use.
Other tips include using suitable plants to protect garden boundaries, installing security lighting, burglar alarms, photographing valuable plants and ornaments, postcoding property and making sure fences are in good condition.
Crime Reduction Officer, Dawn Cooper, said: “If you have a shed in your garden, just think about how much it would cost to replace the tools and property stored inside. By following the advice, you can significantly reduce the chance of becoming a victim.”
For more crime prevention advice please visit www.west-midlands.police.uk or call 0845 113 5000 and ask to speak to your local Crime Reduction Officer.

(Reproduced from Halesowen News 17th May)

GARDIEN TIP: All the above advice and much more is available at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/