| You may be aware that there have recently been incidents of break-ins to garages and sheds in your area. The purpose of this newsletter is not to frighten you but to raise your awareness and ask you to be extra vigilant. There are certain measures you can take to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim yourself such as: Fit an alarm to your garage or shed – most DIY stores stock battery- operated alarms suitable for this purpose. Always mark the property you keep in your garage or shed with your postcode – this will help identification if they are stolen and then recovered. Keep a list of property with photographs. Make sure your garage or shed is fitted with a good strong lock, padlock, door hinges or other security device such as a Garage Defender. Make sure items inside the garage or shed are secure – large items can be padlocked together or you could sink a post into the floor of the garage and padlock items to the post. Always remember to lock your garage or shed after use. Do not store large quantities of valuables in your garage and shed. Keep property and fencing in good repair and ensure that foliage and trees are kept trimmed. Check with your insurance company that you are covered for items stored in your garage or shed.
Report suspicious activity to the police on 101 or anonymously via the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111. | 
