Vale of Glamorgan police warn of garden thefts (From Barry And District News)

Vale of Glamorgan police warn of garden thefts

2:20pm Wednesday 6th March 2013 in News

HOUSEHOLDERS in the Vale of Glamorgan are being reminded not to make life easy for burglars when working in their gardens and allotments.

Detective Inspector Jason Redrup of South Wales Police is warning people not to leave sheds, garages and homes insecure or expensive garden implements lying around unattended.

He said: “As the better spring weather arrives and people are getting out into their gardens I encourage them also to take more responsibility for their possessions and not to leave them where they can be easily seen or taken. Many burglaries occur on the spur of the moment as a burglar may see an opportunity and take their chance.

“Items which are left in a shed, especially during the spring and summer months can be very expensive and they should not be left where they can be easily taken.

“Always make sure doors are locked and your windows secure, a simple precaution such as this can save a lot of heartache and inconvenience in the long run. Burglars do not just try one door handle here or there, they will try every handle in the street – so do you want to be the unlucky one?

“South Wales Police officers regularly respond to reports of houses which have been broken into because the occupier has made it very easy for the opportunist thief or for those who target this type of property to enter their homes and steal their possessions.”

Police warn that insecure homes and property form a significant proportion of burglaries of homes and urge the public to take more care with their property and not spoil their spring and summer because of a few moments of thoughtlessness when they leave their doors or windows unlocked.

DI Redrup added: “I am also appealing for people to be vigilant and look out for each other.

If you see a neighbour’s home which is insecure, please be a good neighbour and point it out to them, particularly if they are elderly or have some form of disability.”

Crime reduction adviser Deborah Elward said: “Thieves target sheds and garages for valuable equipment such as power tools, bikes and sports equipment.

“Home owners can make it more difficult for burglars by implementing simple crime prevention measures such as using strong locks, fixing non-return screws to door hinges, chaining larger items, perhaps buy an alarm which is available for under £20 from most DIY shops.