Sheds, Garages and Outbuildings

• Use a good quality fixings and a padlock to secure shed and garage doors.
• To prevent a burglar from unscrewing door hinges, use anti-tamper screws or smear hard setting glue on the screw heads.
• If possible, lock any windows or fit internal bars or grilles.
• Install either a mains-powered or battery-powered shed alarm - available from DIY stores.

Tools and Equipment

• Use a forensic coding product to 'property mark' all valuable tools and equipment with your postcode and/or house number. This makes items uniquely identifiable - and less attractive to a thief.
• If possible, secure lawnmowers and other valuable equipment to a shed or garage wall.
• Lock tools away when you aren't using them.
• Register valuable equipment at www.immobilise.com or photograph items and take a note of make and model and any serial numbers. This helps with identification if items are stolen
• If possible, fit a lockable wire-cage for storing expensive items inside your shed.

In the Garden

• Lay crunchy gravel on the approach to your house if possible. Thieves hate drawing attention to themselves by making a noise.
• Your wheelie bin could be used as a climbing aid or even as a means of transporting stolen property. Secure it by padlocking it to a wall bracket or drainpipe or position it away from the accessible windows.
• Securing the perimeter of your garden will help to protect your property. Plant low hedges or install low, good quality fencing - it will make a potential burglar feel exposed and perhaps think twice.
• A good option is trellised fencing which doesn't obstruct visibility and is difficult to climb over.

Let Nature Help

• Nature can help provide an effective (and attractive) deterrent to anyone thinking of entering your garden.
• Select your plants carefully. Holly and hawthorn are particularly difficult to get through.
• Protect drainpipes with anti-climb paint or a climbing rose to deter access to windows and flat roofs.
• Plant prickly, deciduous shrubs next to walls or fences as an effective barrier for anyone attempting to climb in
• If you would like to discuss any of these ideas, please feel free to contact the team at East Grinstead police station. In addition we have a number of free stickers (such as 'No Cold Callers') and information leaflets.

Compiled 7th February 2014