Inspector Alan Hutton and Foyle PSNI Crime Prevention Officer Mandy Monteith secure a garden shed watched by Alderman Drew Thompson (PCSP Chairperson), Mildred Garfield (Community representative) and PCSP officer.
With the longer evenings and brighter weather upon us, many people will be taking the opportunity to get outside into gardens and yards.
A good number of us will begin sprucing up outside areas – cutting the grass, perhaps investing in some new furniture or garden ornaments.
Police in Derry, in partnership with Derry PCSP (Policing and Community Safety Partnership), are reminding local people it is important to remember that others may be watching with interest.
Thieves have been known to look out for easy targets at this time of year – the person who has invested in expensive garden ornaments or who leaves their lawnmower out overnight.
Even the person who leaves their garden shed unlocked.
To the unscrupulous thief, these can present golden opportunities for them to help themselves to your belongings.
Police are advising householders to follow simple steps listed below to help reduce the chance of becoming a victim of opportunistic crime this summer –
• Never leave garages and sheds unlocked
• Use substantial padlocks on shed doors, dead head vulnerable screws on hinges and bolts
• Cover shed and garage windows on the inside so that criminals can’t see in. For a thief, being able to see into a garage can be like looking into a shop window!
• Consider securing valuable ornaments or statues by cementing them to a footing
• Photograph any antique garden statues
• Weigh down plant containers with bricks inside the pots
• Protect your perimeters by ensuring gates and railings are secure and in good repair
• Secure ladders to permanent fixtures
• Mark lawnmowers and other garden tools with your postcode followed by your house number by using a permanent marker or engraver
• Chain bicycles together and secure the chain to a solid structure
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