Allotment Crime

Sheds are often full of expensive goods. They can be relatively easy for a burglar to access as they are often insecure or in a poor state of repair. As we’ve all become more vigilant about the security of our homes, sheds are often the next best option for a thief.

Firstly, it’s important to ask yourself if your garden shed is the most appropriate place to store valuable items.

Traditionally a garden shed was designed to store a few gardening tools and a mower. Now, for convenience we often use them to store expensive bikes, sports equipment or even quad and motorbikes. Sheds are simply not designed for this purpose.

In addition, by allowing a burglar easy access to your shed, you’re also giving them access to the tools they need to break into your house.

However, if your shed is your only means of storage there are a number of simple steps you can take to improve its security and protect your belongings.

How well is your shed constructed?

Make sure your shed is properly constructed and anchored to the ground. Ensure your shed is in a good state of repair and that hinges and locks cannot be removed. If you do not need windows consider boarding them over or use perforated mesh grilles if you need the light. At a very minimum obscure the view from the window of the contents inside.

KEEPING YOUR ALLOTMENTS SAFE & SECURE

Many allotment sites suffer from vandalism and theft; sometimes minor like the theft of vegetables and tools and sometimes major including smashed glass in greenhouses, breaking into sheds and arson.

Keep watch - carry the Allotment Watch Reporting Card to ensure you know who to contact to report suspicious or criminal behaviour

Keep in contact - with your local Safer Neighbourhood Officers and let them know about incidents, suspicious behaviour or persons sleeping rough in the area

Get to know your neighbours - and exchange contact details so you can let each other know about problems on your plot or site

Fence your plot - good fencing, hedges, gates and locks deter trespassers and make escape routes more difficult. Don't build a high, solid fence as it may contravene your allotment tenancy and makes hidden corners for anti-social activity. Use wire mesh for any fence over 4ft high

Secure your shed - use strong pad bars and close shackle padlocks, coach bolts and covered / non-return screws to secure doors and hinges, hasps and staples

Remove tools and valuables - which are not regularly used on your allotment and keep them at home. If you have to leave them in your shed, lock them to a strong anchorage point - lock valuables together to prevent them from being easily removed

Remove matches, petrol and other flammable material - don't make it easy for the would be arsonist

Visibly mark your tools and valuables - advertise this using stickers or signage - for details of tool marking schemes contact the Crime Reduction and Community Watch Office on 01904 669072.

Fit an alarm - these are available from £8.00 through the Allotment Watch Scheme- contact the Crime Reduction and Community Watch Office on 01904 669072 for information.

If you want to see our Allotment and Shed Crime Gallery which shows you our latest Poster Campaign and images of shed security please click here