A security awareness day is being held by the Safer Guildford Partnership on Sunday 19 July to help combat the rising level of thefts from garden sheds.

A specially constructed shed will be visiting various locations throughout the borough including Pirbright, Send, Ripley East and West Horsley, to demonstrate top tips and advice on how to keep your garden and shed valuables protected with easy and cost effective prevention measures.

PC Steve Cake said: “Thieves like garden tools and equipment because they are often easy to sell and difficult to trace. By clearly marking items with your postcode, using an approved identification kit can deter thieves, especially when you use window stickers warning them that your possessions are marked.”

As a nation we are enjoying spending an increasing amount of time in our gardens and consequently the value of our items in the garden and sheds have risen, making them a prime target for thieves.

To keep the burglars at bay:

• Never leave a garage or shed unlocked
• Install Dawn to Dusk low energy lights
• Take photographs of valuable garden antiques and mark the item with your postcode – to aid recovering in the event of theft
• Fit and use good locks to garden gates, sheds and garage windows
• If you are going away, let your neighbour know so they can keep an eye out for you
• Secure ladders inside your shed or garage – don’t leave them outside
• Never leave lawnmowers and other equipment unattended – thieves have been known to remove items while their owner has popped indoors for a few minutes
• Plant a prickly hedge around your boundary
• Consider setting up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in your area.

Steve Cake added: “And remember that a thief may try to break into your garage or shed to steal tools and equipment necessary to break into your home – so keep them out.”

ENDS