Rochdale police issue spring security warning

Date published: 12/04/2007

Police in Rochdale are asking residents to take extra care this spring to lock away valuable garden tools, and to avoid leaving items in the garden that could be useful to burglars.

Power tools, hand tools, plant containers, sports equipment, bicycles and toys are among the items most targeted by thieves, who find insecure gardening equipment easy pickings.

Crime Reduction Adviser for Rochdale Division, Brian Farr, said: "Many people forget to secure their garden, shed or garage, but as most burglary is opportunistic, if a burglar spots a chance to steal something and get away easily, they will.

"The average shed or garage contains hundreds of pounds worth of equipment, and when items are kept in insecure sheds or garages, it could prove extremely tempting to burglars."

Police recommend that residents security mark their power tools, bikes and other valuable items.  Bikes should also be locked to something heavy like a workbench, and security lights should be installed.

Residents are also advised to lock away all tools after working in the garden, as burglars could use them to break into the house.

Brian Farr added: "If you add up the cost of all the equipment stored in your shed or garage, it would probably be a substantial amount.  I would advise residents to think about security now, before it's too late.

"Allotments are particularly vulnerable, as they are usually situated away from residential areas and are not lit up at night.  Owners should take expensive equipment away from allotments each night, and secure what remains in a shed with a good lock.  They should also mark equipment with their postcodes and cover up windows so prying eyes cannot see what is available to steal."

Police are also urging publicans to implement the following security measures after a number of recent break-ins at pubs across Rochdale:

• Ensure that all ground floor windows are securely locked at night
• Consider fitting internal bars to the windows
• Fit frame to frame key-operated window locks as a minimum
• Make sure that the intruder alarm is switched on when retiring for the night and that a sensor covers the gaming machine/s
• Have the gaming machine/s emptied of cash on a regular basis

For more information on how to protect your home and property, contact Rochdale’s Crime Reduction Adviser Brian Farr on 0161 856 8478.