Householders Urged To Secure Sheds

Householders in Telford are being encouraged to secure their sheds following an increase in break-ins.

Thieves have been targeting sheds across the borough in the last few weeks and making off with various items from fishing tackle to tools and pedal cycles.

Addresses in the last week targeted include Dawley, Malinsgate, Hollinswood, Wellington and Madeley.

Police are now warning homeowners to protect their property and improve security measures in a bid to deter thieves.

The warning comes just weeks after West Mercia Police launched Operation Citadel, which aims to drive down the number of household burglaries committed in the force area.

As part of the operation, police are anxious to make people aware of the increase in the number of burglaries and encourage them to become more security conscious.  They also want to increase detections and have already secured a number of arrests resulting in offenders being jailed.

Steve Loveridge, Crime Risk Advisor for Telford said: "The boundaries of properties are people's first line of defence against burglars. Gates, fences and walls should be kept in good repair and deter intruders from accessing the rear of properties.

"At this time of year, especially with darker nights approaching, we would urge people to invest in a security light. This deters would be burglars who do not want to be seen.

"Sheds should also be secured with a padlock and any screws should be concealed. People should also consider investing in a shed alarm. They are inexpensive and will deter burglars.

"People do tend to keep expensive items in sheds including garden equipment, cycles and power tools. There are forensic property parking systems available to use, which we would encourage, and items that have serial numbers can be registered free on Immobilise.com "

Issued: Monday, 08 October 2012