Keep your Garden and Outbuildings Secure
If you’re a regular reader of the weekly Commander’s bulletin you will notice that thefts from sheds, outbuildings and within the garden feature in the list of recent crimes committed 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.
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UPDATES
On Wednesday 15th February 2023, a 28 year old male was arrested and appeared at Perth Sheriff Court in relation to an assault that took place within a hotel in Perth.
On Thursday 16th February 2023, a 48 year old male was arrested and kept for custody in relation to driving a motor vehicle whilst under the influence of alcohol on the A9 Perth to Stirling.
On Monday 20th February 2023, a 46 year male was arrested to appear at Perth sheriff Court the next day in relation to a knife incident that took place on South Street, Perth
During the last week 4 drivers have been found to be without insurance and 2 had no MOT.
RECENT INCIDENTS
Between the hours of 00:15am and 00:27am on Friday 17th February 2023, a White Ford Transit Custom van that was parked on the street within the area of Burghmuir Road and Mavisbank, Perth was stolen (CR/20388/23)
About 11:20am on Wednesday 16th February 2023, a female and her three children were crossing the road on a red light on Riggs Road, Perth when a black Ford Kuga motor vehicle failed to stop and drove through the red light. No-one was injured but upset at the actions of the driver (CR20802/23)
About 2030 hours, on Thursday 16th February 2023 within the street at St Leonard’s Bridge, Perth, two members of the public were shout and sworn at by the driver of a van. The suspect is male, average build, 6ft 2 in height and was wearing a black puffa jacket and blue jeans. (CR/2097923)
Between 9pm on Wednesday 15th February 2023 and 12:30pm on Thursday 16th February 2023 damage was caused to a Blue VW Golf motor vehicle that was parked on the street in the area of Cluny Terrace, Perth. (CR/21066/23)
Between 6pm on Thursday 16th February and 9:30am on Friday 17th February 2023 damage was caused to a garage whereby entry was attempted to be gained. The garage was part of a residential property on Ashgrove, Perth (CR/21392/23)
Between 9pm on Friday 17th February and 9am on Saturday 18th February 2023 a white Ford Fiesta ST motor vehicle was stolen from outside a property on Jeanfield Road, Perth (CR/21392/23)
Between 12:30pm on Saturday 18th February and 2:45 pm on Sunday 19th February 2023 the front and rear number plates were stolen from a blue Vauxhall Astra motor vehicle that was parked on Castle View, Perth.
On Friday 17th February 2023 at 2pm, a grey Ford Fiesta motor vehicle that was parked in the street on Wester Loan, Milnathort was damaged with a large scratch to the rear passenger door. (CR/21505/23)
On Wednesday 12th January 2023 between 8:45am and 3:30pm there was damage caused to a Toyota Rav motor vehicle that was parked within the car park of Strathearn Recreation Centre, Crieff. (CR/20527/23)
Anyone with any information that may be useful should contact Tayside Division on 101 or any police officer, quoting the crime reference number listed at each incident. Alternatively information can be passed anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.