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It may not seem obvious, but protecting your garden and outbuildings like sheds not only keeps bikes and other valuables safe, but can also stop burglars accessing tools to get into your home. Tips to protect your garden, shed and home: Secure any rear or side access doors and windows when working in the garden to prevent ‘walk in’ or ‘reach in’ thefts.Low front boundary; keep hedges and walls at the front of your house low (under one metre) so burglars have nowhere to hide.Secure side gates; keep side gates locked at all times. Open gates mean burglars can easily access your home without being seen by passers-by or neighbours.Side and rear boundaries: spiky defensive planting; keep hedges, walls and fences around your back garden high (over 1.8 metres). Add lightweight trellis to gates and fences and plant some prickly plants to make it harder for burglars to climb over.Gravel your driveways and paths; gravel driveways and paths make it harder for burglars to go undetected.Security light; install an outside security light so that intruders can’t approach without being seen.Intruder alarm system; install a burglar alarm system.Secure your shed and outbuildings; always keep your shed locked and secured, and make sure it is anchored down to prevent it from being lifted in order to gain access. Often sheds contain valuables such as power tools and bicycles.Never leave tools lying around; always store your tools securely as they can be used as a way of breaking into your home. If you have seen anything suspicious, have CCTV or Dashcam footage of suspects, or any information regarding crime in your neighbourhood, please report this by using the Thames Valley Police on line reporting portal at www.thamesvalley.police.uk or by calling the non-emergency number 101. If a crime is in progress, dial 999. If you wish to remain anonymous or don’t want to speak to the police you can pass any relevant information via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 free of charge. You can find out your local neighbourhood policing priorities on our website: https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/area/your-area/
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