Keep your guard up against green-fingered thieves

LAST month was National Home Security Month which explored all things outdoors urging homeowners to protect their sheds and outbuildings.

Research shows that one in five homeowners has fallen victim to garden theft or vandalism with a 17 per cent increase in outdoor burglary over the last five years.

Many of these thefts occur at night, as opportunistic burglars operate under the cover of darkness so, as the nights draw in, it is important to be vigilant and ensure any valuable items in gardens, sheds, garages or outbuildings are properly secured.

The average garden shed has an estimated value of £600, providing rich pickings for criminals.

Children’s toys, bikes and gardening and DIY tools are all popular targets.

The majority of sheds are only supplied with minimal door security, so it’s worth investing in a robust, weatherproof padlock.

Heavy-duty maximum strength padlocks are highly recommended.

Alternatively, CCTV cameras can act as a visual deterrent and even catch the thief red handed!

For added protection, it’s also worth securing individual items stored within sheds or outbuildings using additional padlocks or anchors and cables, which can be looped through bike wheels or lawnmower handles to provide an extra level of security if an intruder manages to gain entry.

Hannah Adkins, Marketing Executive for NHSM’s lead sponsor Yale, comments: “Not only do sheds and outbuildings contain expensive items, they also house ladders and tools which burglars could use to break into your property. Securing your outbuildings is easy and relatively simple to do. You wouldn’t go out without locking your house, so why should sheds and outbuildings be any different?”

For more information on National Home Security Month and for daily tips and advice, search for ‘National Home Security Month’ on Facebook and Twitter or alternatively visit homesecuritymonth.com