Keep your Garden and Outbuildings Secure
In recent weeks there has been an increase of thefts from Garages, sheds, outbuildings and within the garden feature across Perth and Kinross. A number of these thefts could be prevented by adopting simple steps to secure gardens, sheds and garages –
What can I do to stop thieves entering and stealing from my garden?
- Keep hedges, walls and fences low at the front of the property – to a maximum of 1.2 metres high and in a good state of repair to allow natural surveillance and make it hard for an intruder to work unseen. Prevent easy access to the back and sides by installing locked gates. Rear fences and walls should be a minimum 1.8 to 2 metres in height. Trellis topping or an intruder deterrent strip should also be considered to make climbing difficult.
- Security lighting around your property will act as a deterrent. Dusk to dawn low voltage LED lighting is cost effective to both install and run.
- Make sure bins are located in an area which doesn’t allow them to be easily used as a step to climb over fences / walls or access windows.
- Lock away any garden implements, furniture or tools in a secure shed, garage or outside store. They may not only be an attractive target for theft, but also items such as ladders which are useful for breaking into your home.
What can I do to protect property in my shed and garage?
- Photograph valuable items of garden furniture and / or garden tools. Note and keep a record of make, model, colour and serial numbers and use a UV pen or similar to security mark them with your house number and postcode.
- You may wish to use a chain or other device to lock garden tools and furniture together to the structure which will make them harder to remove.
- Fit a good quality hasp and padlock to the door, fitted with dome headed or non-returnable screws to prevent tampering. Appropriate products that are approved as ‘Sold Secure’ or ‘Secured by Design’ should be considered. For more information visit www.securedbydesign.com
- Secure windows and don’t give intruders the opportunity to see inside. Depending on the type of window, you could consider fitting internal window grills, heavy wire mesh or reinforced glass. You could also use curtains or opaque film. If the window opens, a window lock should be fitted.
- If you have an intruder alarm, consider extending it to cover sheds, garages and outbuildings and ensure that there is a visible external sounder box.
- If you do not have a secure shed then bring items inside – don’t leave them lying out.
If your garage adjoins your home and there is a through door, keep it locked.
UPDATES
A 38 year old man was arrested and charged for possession of an offensive weapon and Class A drugs in Couper Angus Road, Blairgowrie on Friday 12th January.
A 17 year old man was arrested and charged for possession of an offensive weapon and also a number of driving offences in Moulin Crescent, Perth on Saturday 13th January.
A 19 year old man was arrested and charged for vandalism on Hospital Street, Perth on Saturday 13th January.
A 44 year old man was arrested and charged for possession of a bladed article/Knife at Brora Court Perth on Sunday 14th January.
A 72 year old man was arrested and charged for drink driving on the B8062, Auchterarder on Monday 15th January.
During the last week 3 drivers have been found to be without insurance.
RECENT INCIDENTS
On Thursday 11th January, an unknown male has caused damage to a fire exit door at Morrison’s supermarket, Perth. (CR/15967/24)
Between 10pm on Thursday 11th and 1.30am Friday 12th January, a Black Ford Fiesta was stolen from Sandilands Grove, Abernethy. (CR/13647/24)
Between 1pm Friday 12th and 2.30pm Sunday 14th January, a Black Honda Motorcycle was stolen from Kinnoul Causeway, Perth. (CR/18002/24)
Between 5.30pm on Sunday 14th and 8am Monday 15th January, a quantity of money was stolen from Jamesfield Farm Shop, Abernethy. (CR/17335/24)
Between Saturday 13th and Tuesday 16th a Black Ford Fiesta was stolen from Rannoch Place, Perth. (CR/19045/24)