Lock up your tools warning

THAMES Valley Police is warning tool owners after a recent rise in thefts of tools in South Oxfordshire and Vale of the White Horse, including in Thame.

Image courtsey of vanvault.co.uk

Over the 25 days between September 16, and October 10, there were 34 tool thefts. These were as follows:

16 thefts from motor vehicles
15 burglary non dwellings
2 burglary dwellings
1 vehicle interference
1 theft of a motor vehicle

The outskirts of Oxford (Wheatley, Chalgrove, Horspath, Forest Hill, Great Haseley, Great Milton, Littleworth, Sandford on Thames) saw the highest number of thefts – accounting for 14 of the 34. Chinnor saw 10 thefts, Thame saw 8, while Watlington saw 2.

Sgt Vicky Hoskin, based at Thame Police Station, said: “I ask that members of the public and in particular tradesmen take preventative steps to avoid becoming a victim of theft by removing tools from vehicles overnight, being vigilant when using tools in the open and when leaving these unattended whilst going about their work.

“Residents of the area are also asked to ensure that steps are taken to fully secure property by considering removal of tools from vehicles when not in use, lock sheds and garages with well-maintained locks.”

A significant number of the thefts were burglary non dwellings. This covers business premises and outbuildings such as sheds and garages. Some good advice for people who keep tools in their homes includes:

Do not leave a garage or garden shed unlocked, especially if it has a connecting door to the house.
Fit strong padlocks and hardware to shed and garage doors.
Make sure that the doors are solid enough not to be kicked in.
Fit locks or bars to windows.
Lock ladders inside your garage or shed.
Consider lockable steel boxes or anchor posts fitted to the floor to secure tools and equipment.
Garden tools and machinery should be permanently marked with your postcode.
Install a battery or mains-powered shed alarm, available from all good DIY stores at a reasonable price.
For extra security, replace the screws in external hinges of your shed or garage side-door with ‘clutch-head’ screws (also known as ‘anti-tamper’ or ‘coffin’ screws).
Secure your wheelie bin to stop an intruder using it to climb on.
There is also further crime prevention advice on the Thames Valley Police website.

If you have any information on crime, you can contact Crimestoppers (opens new window) anonymously on 0800 555111 or Thames Valley Police on 101.