Don't let your property be an easy target for criminals

WITH the return of the brighter evenings, local police are reminding residents of a few simple crime prevention techniques that can help deter criminals and prevent garden sheds and garages from becoming vulnerable to thefts.
By The Newsroom
Published 12th Apr 2010, 13:37 BST
Updated 13th Apr 2010, 17:52 BST

Community Safety Inspector, Colin Audley said: “Active criminals like to take easy opportunities to invite themselves into unsecured garden sheds and garages, so by following a few simple steps you may be able to avoid becoming a victim of this sort of crime...

• Ensure you always lock your shed or garage when not in use, including the windows

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• On sheds use a Hasp lock (this has a plate that covers retaining screws)

• Fit curtains or blinds to your shed or garage to stop persons looking in

• Consider coverage of your shed or garage by a censored light

• Make sure all property in your shed or garage is properly marked (postcode and house number)

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• Consider fitting a portable alarm (less than 15 from any DIY store) or one linked to your house alarm

• Make sure all ladders and tools that could assist the criminal are locked away securely

“Help to make your community safer and deter criminals by securing your property, by reporting suspicious activity promptly to police, and by demonstrating that you are switched on to crime prevention,” Inspector Audley added.

For further crime prevention advice contact your local Crime Prevention Officer at Newtownabbey Station on 0845 600 8000 or log on to www.psni.police.uk