Knowsley’s Policing Team and Knowsley Council’s Crime and Communities Team are urging residents to ensure they take the necessary steps to protect their garages or sheds.
Read on for advice and guidance to keep you and your property safe:
Garage and Shed Security: first steps
First off, check that your insurance covers the contents of your garage or shed.
Think like a thief
Take a look at your garage/shed and consider how you would break in. It’s worth having a good padlock on the door with no exposed screws. Pay attention to hinges, as these are sometimes easily removable. If you have windows then these could be vulnerable unless they’re secured with wire mesh or grills. And keep it locked at all times.
Alarm it
Consider a battery-operated shed alarm which responds to movement or door contact with an extremely loud siren.
Lock it, hide it or mark it
Don’t give them the opportunity or the tools to commit a crime. Lock everything away securely. Tools can be locked inside a locker or box or secured with a chain.
Secure your bike to the ground or a lockable stand within the garage. Visit Sold Secure to search for ground anchors and other locks designed to fix to floors and walls.
It’s always worth draping an old sheet or blanket over the top of mowers or bikes to keep them covered from view.
Although it might sound like stating the obvious, never leave your garage and shed door unlocked if you’re not around.
Property marking your items is advisable and some tools can be painted with your name or postcode. Forensic marking is also an option.
In an emergency always call 999, alternatively you can report crime and anti-social behaviour to Merseyside Police via 101 or online here.