Keep your home and outbuildings secure this winter

Hertfordshire Constabulary is sharing home security advice with residents as burglaries, especially to outbuildings, has increased over recent months.
Burglars have been especially targeting outbuildings, such as sheds and garages this month, with 99 offences across Hertfordshire (up from 70 last January). The areas with the most offenses were East Herts with 27 (up from 7 last year), Dacorum with 27 (up from 19) and St Albans with 12 (up from 6).
The number of home burglaries has also risen across the county during January, compared to this time last year. The areas with the most offences were Dacorum, which had 40 burglaries (compared to 17 last January), Hertsmere with 29 (up from 21) and Welwyn Hatfield which had 27 (up from 21).
Detective Chief Inspector Luke Whinnett, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Local Policing Command, said: “This time of year burglars are still looking to see if homes are empty during the day, so using a timer to switch on a light when it gets dark in the afternoon can be an excellent deterrent. Investing on a doorbell camera is another great security investment.
“Sheds and garages can be an easier target for thieves, who lookout for expensive power tools and sports equipment left in them with little or no security. We are recommending that everyone takes some basic security measures to ensure their outbuildings are secure. Don’t leave anything valuable in them unless they are well secured with good quality locks or even an alarmed padlock. Dusk till dawn security lights will also make your home even safer.”
These tips will help to make your garden and outbuildings more secure:
Always lock your shed, preferably with two ‘hasp and staple’ locks (one near the top and one near the bottom of the door) or use or an alarmed padlock.
Secure your rear garden by locking entry gates with a padlock.
Burglars can use garden tools to break in, so make sure you securely lock away any tools after use.
Make access to the rear of your property difficult, keep rear/side gates closed and locked and ensure boundary walls/fences are in good repair.
Tools and gardening equipment should be visibly marked with your postcode and house number – this can deter thieves and help police identify the rightful owner.
Remember to lock your garage door securely. Metal ‘up and over’ doors can be secured with extra locks fitted either side and/or a floor-mounted locking ‘T’ bar with a closed shackle padlock. Wooden garage doors can be secured with two substantial ‘hasps and staple’ locks and closed shackle padlocks (your local DIY store can advise on the most secure options).
Keep wheelie bins secured so they cannot be moved or used as climbing aids.
Plant defensive spiky plants under windows such as berberis, roses and pyracantha. Watch our video on defensive plants (opens in new window).
Most bicycles are stolen from home so ensure they are kept in secure sheds, outbuildings and garages. Consider installing ground anchors if you have a concrete floor. If not, look for security rated products specifically for wooden and metal sheds.
Take extra security precautions for storing expensive bikes, it is recommended that they are security marked and registered with Bike Register (opens in new window).
For more detailed security advice, please visit our crime prevention pages.
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