Shed break in

In the early hours of the Tuesday the 28th of October a shed was broken into on Chapel Row in Chadlington.

We’re reminding residents to take extra care in securing their sheds, garages, and outbuildings. Thieves often target these areas looking for easy-to-grab items such as bikes, power tools, and gardening equipment — often worth hundreds of pounds.

Here’s how you can help protect your property:

 Lock it up: Always use a good quality closed-shackle padlock and ensure hinges and hasps are bolted, not screwed, so they can’t be easily removed.

 Light it up: Fit motion-sensor security lighting to deter thieves from approaching in the dark.

 Keep it out of sight: Don’t leave valuable tools or bikes visible from windows or open doors. Use curtains, frosted film, or covers to keep them out of view.

 Anchor valuable items: Use ground anchors or cable locks to secure larger items like bikes, mowers, or power tools inside the shed.

 Mark your property: Use a UV pen or forensic marking solution to mark tools and equipment with your postcode and house number — this helps police return stolen items.

 Install an alarm: Consider a battery-operated shed alarm or link it to your home security system for extra protection.

 Record serial numbers: Keep an inventory and photos of your valuable equipment.

If you see anyone acting suspiciously around sheds, garages, or gardens — report it immediately by calling 999 in an emergency or 101 if it’s non-urgent.

 Remember: A few simple security steps today can save you a lot of stress and money tomorrow.