Shed Security

A garden shed burglary is likely to land its owner with a hefty bill to replace stolen property and repair damage done by thieves, sometimes running into thousands of pounds.  With criminals increasingly targeting sheds around the county, Gloucestershire Constabulary are offering local people shed alarms for just £5 to prevent them suffering this expense and inconvenience. Combined with common sense crime prevention measures, such as ensuring that sheds are always locked and that expensive items of property are secured inside, the alarms should dramatically reduce the chances of your shed being burgled.

Paul Francis, the Constabulary’s Crime Reduction Officer, said: "Sheds are a favourite target for criminals because many can be broken into relatively easily.

“They often contain valuable items that can be stolen or used as a tool to gain entry to your property. You should check how vulnerable your shed is and make it more secure.

“A shed alarm, such as the one being sold by the Constabulary, will help deter criminals and alert owners and neighbours when a break in is taking place.

“However, for maximum effect you should combine it with other security measures, such as metal grills over the windows, reinforced hinges and locks are a worthwhile investment.

“You should also consider securing valuable items inside your shed using security cables, or chains with robust padlocks. Thieves do not like to hang about - the more obstacles you put in their way the less likely they will be to bother.”

Shed alarms can be obtained at:

    Coleford Police Station - Lords Hill, Coleford.

    Open seven days a week, 8am to 9.30pm.

 
    Cinderford Police Station - Station Street, Cinderford 

    Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

    Forest of Dean District Council - One Stop Shop, Church Street, Newent.

    Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm (closed Wednesday afternoons).

 
    Gloucester South – St James, Quedgeley.

    Open Monday to Tuesday, 9am to 5pm, and Wednesday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm.

    Gloucester Central – Bearlands, Gloucester.

    Open seven days a week, 8am to 10pm.

Practical steps you can take to stop shed burglary include:

• Making the access to the rear of your property as difficult as possible.

• Using locks, bolts or a padlock and chain on all side and rear gates.
  
• Planting prickly or thorny plants around the fence line to deter intruders.
  
• Fit and use security lighting – but ensure it will not annoy the neighbours!
  
• Make sure sheds are kept securely locked.
  
• Make windows opaque so property is not on display.
  
• Mark all valuables with your postcode and house number.
  
• Secure valuable items to each other or to the fabric of the shed. This will make removal much more difficult.
  
• Consider fitting an alarm.