Can I ask members to be extra aware with regards to shed and garden security particularly during this spate of warmer weather. In recent weeks we have had some thefts from insecure sheds and outbuildings with no specific areas being targeted but being spread out over the area. It is common to see a small increase in this type of crime as the weather improves during Spring and Summer.

Ensure that outbuildings such as sheds and garages are properly secured both during the day and overnight when not in use. It is easy to forget to secure a shed or outbuilding, especially as we access them more for tools, lawn mowers, sports equipment etc and this can provide an easy and simple entry point for opportunist thieves. If family members are also in and out of such buildings remind them of the importance of ensuring that they are properly secure in between uses. Remember that some people have access to their houses via internal garage doors so by leaving the garage insecure you may be leaving your home more vulnerable to opportunist thieves.

If you are using tools and ladders for gardening or a general spring clean around your property, these need to be returned and secured whilst not in use, even if you are only nipping out of your property for a short while. Such items being left around whilst you are absent from your property / overnight can be used to gain entry to either your property or a neighbours property.

Valuable items within outbuildings need to be recorded for insurance purposes and consider extending household insurance to cover particular valuable or precious items. If you have a large number of valuable items in your outbuildings consider expanding your household alarm system to cover any outbuildings too.

Keep an eye on each other's properties and if you see anything suspicious or out of the ordinary please report it via 0845 458 0000 at the time.