Shed breaks

In the recent period there have been a number of shed breaks within the Crewe/Nantwich area.  There has been a spread of incidents and does not appear to be a specific pattern.  As with house burglaries, some of the break ins have been via insecure shed doors.
At this time of year many of us are probably tidying up our gardens ready for the winter weather so tools and equipment are no doubt being readily used.  Try to ensure that you take steps to secure any equipment away in between uses so that it isn't stolen or tools aren't used as an accessory to break into your or a neighbours home.  Many of us have a number of high valued items in our sheds and outbuildings so it is worthwhile to ensure that they are properly locked away.
Please can you make all members aware that this is a general alert to make people vigilant with regards to shed and outbuilding security.  There is some basic crime prevention advice included below.
Regards
Home Watch Desk

Shed & Outbuilding Security Advice
v        Never leave your garage or shed unlocked, ensure they are secured with a strong padlock and consider using window locks where appropriate. 
v        Doors should be solid and in a good state of repair so that they are not easily accessible. 
v        DIY stores will stock locks that have a grading system on them.  Try to ensure that the lock you are using is fit for purpose for securing your shed/outbuilding.
v        Consider the use of a shed or garage alarm, particularly if your shed or garage contains a high number of valuable items. 
v        Remember that sheds are not ideally designed for safe storage, so consider securing a steel cage to the floor of the shed to store more valuable items in, or padlock them securely to a fixed point. 
v        Property mark valuable items using a recognised system such as UV pens or Smart Water.  It is also worthwhile to take photographs and serial numbers of valuable items for insurance purposes. 
v        Finally, consider the area around your shed and garage.  Could the area benefit from some well placed rose or holly bushes in key positions, such as under windows or around doors?  Could a gravel path or equally noisy surface be laid so that any potential offenders create a noise approaching the area?  Most importantly, is your garden perimeter secure with no weak spots in hedges and fences or no items such as bins easily available for use as stepping stones over the fence?  Remember that once a burglar has entered a garden they have more of an opportunity to operate unseen.  By ensuring your perimeter is secure you remove the means for them to enter your property.