The Safer Vale Partnership is reminding allotment holders and gardeners in Barry to ensure their sheds are made secure.
Cadoc Neighbourhood PCSO Dominic Bury said: “A shed burglary is likely to land its owner with a hefty bill to replace stolen property and repair damage done by thieves, sometimes running into thousands of pounds.
“Some common sense crime prevention measures that anyone who owns a shed should consider include ensuring that sheds are always locked and expensive items of property are secured inside. These should dramatically reduce the chances of your shed being burgled.
“Sheds are a favourite target for criminals because many can be broken into relatively easily. They often contain valuable items that can be stolen or used as a tool to gain entry to your property. You should check how vulnerable your shed is and make it more secure.
“Without realising it, you probably have a lot of valuable property in your sheds and outbuildings and you don’t pay as much attention to security as you should. Power tools, lawnmowers, cycles and golf clubs for example are all expensive to replace and attractive to thieves.
“Is everything marked with your post-code so that you could identify it if it was stolen? Easily identifiable items will make them more difficult for a thief to dispose of and therefore less likely to take in the first place.
“Make a note of serial numbers and photograph any valuable items and put the photos somewhere safe.
“A shed alarm will also help deter criminals and alert owners and neighbours when a break in is taking place. However, for maximum effect you should combine this with other security measures, such as metal grills over the windows, reinforced hinges and locks are also a worthwhile investment.
“You should also consider securing valuable items inside your shed using security cables, or chains with robust padlocks. Thieves do not like to hang about – the more obstacles you put in their way the less likely they will be to bother.”
