NW102 - 12 April 2012

In the past couple of weeks we have seen a rise in thefts of power tools and lawnmowers from outbuildings (sheds/garages etc). Two incidences have been repeat thefts from previous years.

Serial 0455 01/03/12  relates to a theft of a sit on lawnmower in Sedgewick Lane, Horsham. It was stolen sometime between 23.00hrs 29/02/12 and 06.00hrs 01/03/12.

Serial 1537 11/03/12 relates to a theft of a lawnmower in Nuthurst Road, Maplehurst. A noise was heard around 22.00rs on the evening of the 10^th but this theft was only noticed in the morning.

Serial 0392 17/03/12  relates to a theft of power tools from a wooden shed and an attempted break to a garage in Handcross Road, Plummers Plain.

Serial 0481 17/03/12 relates to a break in to out buildings that housed a sit on lawnmower. The lawnmower was not stolen on this occasion. This occurred in Hammerpond Road, Plummers Plain.

Domestic sheds and garages

• Wherever possible do not store valuable items in sheds.
• Always lock your shed and garage and fit a good quality padlock. Ideally with a small ‘hoop’ as this makes it more difficult for bolt croppers to be used.
• Install a shed alarm.
• Shackle large items such as bicycles and lawn mowers together and, if possible secure to a permanent fixture such as a cemented metal post. This will make it difficult for thieves to remove.
• Ladders and spades should also be attached to a secure fixture. These items are often used by thieves to gain access to properties. Do not leave unattended in gardens.
• Visibly mark all removable items such as lawnmowers, hedge trimmers and garden furniture with your postcode and house number. If you are not intending to trade in your power tool/lawnmower in for the newest model it is best to deface your item by using permanent marker pen and writing your postcode on all visible parts. This will help deter the thief, as they will not want to get caught carrying goods which clearly will not be theirs and it also makes it more difficult to sell on. Even if they manage to scrub off the postcode it will be permanently damaged and would raise questions should they be stopped by the Police.Alternatively use an ultra violet marker or property marking system such as SmartWater.
• Replace ordinary screws on outbuilding doors with non-return screws or file down the existing ones so that a screwdriver cannot be used.
• Make a note of make/model/serial number of tools and bicycles.
• Obscure the windows of your shed/garage to prevent thieves seeing what you have inside.

Kind regards PCSO Tracy Field