Security warning after garage break-ins

THAMES Valley Police have seen an increase in reports of burglary (non-dwellings) in the area recently. They would like to hear from anyone who may have any information, and are asking everyone to review their security.

• Between 5pm on 21/9 and 7am on 22/9 unknown offenders broke into a site office at Woodville, Chinnor by smashing off the lock and then got into eight sheds. A laptop was stolen.

• Between 10pm on 22/9 and 6am on 23/9 unknown offenders broke into a shed on Back Street, Tetsworth by damaging the door and the lock. Nothing was taken.

• Between 10pm on 22/9 and 8.30am on 23/9 unknown offenders broke into a shed on Marsh End, Tetsworth.

• Between midnight and 6.47am on 22/9 seven Porta Cabins were broken into on London Road, Wheatley. Locks were broken and a messy search was conducted in the main site office.

• Between 6pm on 22/9 and 10am on 23/9 unknown offenders broke into a secure garage on the access road to Stoke Talmage and stole a mountain bike, power tools and gardening equipment.

An alert today stated: “We would also ask residents to be vigilant in keeping an eye out for unusual activity in your street including vehicles and people that may look out of place and report it on 101 as soon as possible or 999 if you suspect that a crime is taking place at that moment.
Alternatively, if you have information but wish to remain anonymous, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.”

Shed and garage security
Opportunist thieves identify sheds and garages as easy pickings because they are usually fairly unprotected and lack basic security measures. The buildings often contain property that can be sold on or implements that can be used to force entry into the owner’s home. Many people fall short on basic security of their sheds and garages.

• Keep your shed/garage in good condition.
• Fit a closed shackle padlock to the door.
• Fittings should be bolted through the door and any screws concealed.
• It is easy to unscrew the ironmongery, steal contents and in some cases replace the screws to make it look as if the shed has not been tampered with.
• By using tamper proof screws or coach bolts, together with a good quality pad bar or hasp and staple and close shackled padlock, the shed owner will make it harder for the would-be thief.
• Bond any window glass in with mastic to prevent easy removal. Fit grilles or mesh to windows to slow down the thief.
• Ensure all equipment and tools are locked away when not in use.
• Install a shed/garage alarm.
• Post-code or mark all property such as lawnmowers, bikes, and tools using ultraviolet pens, forensic marking such as Selecta DNA, SmartWater or engravers.
• Install security lighting as a deterrent, and plants such as thorny shrubs to act as a barrier at potential access points.
• If building a shed, put it where it is most visible to you and neighbours.
• Ensure ladders are locked to a secure fixture in the shed or garage so they can’t be used to reach top floor windows.
• Chain large items such as bicycles together, making it much more difficult for a thief to carry away.
• Fit a wire cage inside a shed where more expensive items can be locked away.
• No thief wants to hang about longer than they have to so delay the time it will take them to get their hands on your tools

If you would like any further advice or information call Thames Valley Police via the 24 hour non-emergency telephone number 101 or visit www.thamesvalley.police.uk