Fences
Good rear garden fences or hedges, coupled with a
side gate will help protect your shed. When choosing the type of fence
you should consider the view neighbours or the public have of the front
and rear of your home. A high fence may be difficult to climb over but
can stop people casually observing your house. A low fence is easy to
climb over but enables everybody to see a burglar.
The type of fence which has a trellis on the top
is difficult to climb over, but does not obstruct visibility.
Don't forget the benefit of exterior lighting.
Postcode It !
If your electric drill or cycle were stolen, would
you know its make, model and serial number? If you can find the receipt,
you will probably be able to find out the make and model. Unless you've
made a special effort to write the serial number down, your cycle would
be no different all the others stolen all over the country. If the
serial number was known, it could then be circulated as stolen in a
similar way to a reg. number of a stolen car
Not only are your chances remote of getting
unidentifiable possessions returned, but also without being able to
prove an item was stolen it can be very difficult to substantiate a
charge against a suspect. Arresting offenders isn't difficult. Getting
evidence is!
As it is usually impractical to postcode with an
ultra-violet pen (because of the wear an item would get with use),
consider engraving the postcode. - See Coded
for Keeps.
Padlocks
A good quality hasp & staple with a padlock is
important on all sheds and side doors to garages. Remember to choose a
hasp and staple that is bolted through the door and frame for extra
strength.
Screw Heads
Glue (Araldite or similar) smeared over the
heads of screws in the hinges of shed doors or the side door of a garage
may stop a thief from simply unscrewing them. Alternatively, replace a
couple of the screws with a special type that cannot be unscrewed
(sometimes called clutch-head, anti-tamper or coffin
screws).
Windows
When your door is secure, don't forget the windows.
Perhaps the most effective way of securing a shed window is to fit
internal bars or grilles.
Cycles
Always lock cycles to something fixed or bulky while
in the shed or garage (ladders or work-bench), and have them post-coded.
Many cycle dealers provide this service for a small charge.
Alternatively, contact your local police station for advice.
Lawn Mowers
Lawn Mowers can cease to be attractive to a thief if
you paint your postcode and house number across the top with house
paint.
Garden Tools
Don't leave any tools for the burglar about (spades,
ladders, etc) and ask your neighbours to do the same.
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