Police in Fife are warning people to keep their sheds and garages locked, particularly during the summer months.
Thefts and sneak-ins involving garden equipment increase at this time of year. Officers are advising anyone with a garden to keep out-buildings padlocked and valuables secured.
Local officers will also be out speaking to residents in local communities, providing a reassuring presence and supplying security information and advice.
Community Sergeant Kenny Greig from Glenrothes police station has this advice:
Other steps being recommended include:
- Keep hedges low and walls / fences in a good state of repair and no higher than 4 feet – this will make it harder for an intruder to work unseen. If you do have higher fences, consider fitting a topping such as a trellis or Prikka Strip.
- Consider nature’s own defences - growing aggressive shrubbery which is harder for intruders to climb through. Ideal plants include berberis, blue spruce, common holly, giant rhubarb, golden bamboo, firethorn, shrub rose, pencil Christmas tree, juniper and rubus.
- Security lighting around an unobservable place will only benefit the thief. Ensure that illumination around your property is appropriate for your use but not a thief. Automatically operated lighting works best as a deterrent where there are adjoining properties where neighbours would be able to notice it being activated.
- 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.
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