May 26, 2004

By: Jas Herbst
Website: http://www.garden-n-storage-sheds.com

Protected Storage Shed – The Simplest And Most Effective Way To Prevent Shed Burglary

A joint initiative between the Council and the Police in partnership with Homebase to stamp out shed burglary, is launched this bank holiday weekend.

Her Worshipful the Mayor, Cllr Mrs June Conyard, officially launched the 'Safer Sheds' campaign at Homebase, Merrielands Crescent, Dagenham.

Also in attendance were Chief Supt. John Lansley and Executive Member for Community Safety, Cllr Milton McKenzie.

Over the weekend, shed burglar alarms will be on sale at a reduced price, with the first 100 people to take up the offer receiving an extra £3 discount in the form of vouchers donated by Barking and Dagenham Council's Community Safety team.

Homebase will be also running a free raffle draw with the first prize on offer a garden shed with free delivery and second prize of a range of security products.

Police, Community Safety Officers and security experts from Homebase will be on hand to give advice and guidance on how to avoid shed burglary.

Shed burglary may not be the most serious of crimes but is a growing phenomenon which accounts for around one third of all burglaries in the Borough

Not only are lawnmowers, bikes, golf clubs and other valuable items at risk but ordinary garden tools kept unlocked in your shed can also pose a hazard as burglars may use them to break into your home.

One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent shed burglary is to fit a specialist shed burglary alarm to help protect your property from theft.

Cllr Milton McKenzie, Executive Member for Community Safety, said: The Council is supporting the Police and Homebase in this important initiative and would encourage anyone who owns a shed to take advantage of the bank holiday offer and fit an alarm.

People should be able to feel their property is safe in their own garden sheds and an alarm helps to guard against the growing crime of shed burglary.

The Police are keen to emphasise the wider dangers of shed burglary and warn that it does not always only affect shed owners and their property.

Borough Police Commander, Chief Supt. John Lansley, said: Shed burglars are often opportunists who will break into a unprotected shed to gain access to the tools inside which can then be used to help them break into nearby homes.

While security lighting can play some part in helping to deter crime, it is energy inefficient and intrusive. A shed burglar alarm is low priced, cheap to run, easy to fit and more effective. We also suggest people are sensible about what they store in their sheds and keep any valuable items in a more secure place.

About The Author:

Jas Herbst is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.garden-n-storage-sheds.com.  Build yourself a gazebo, tool shed, potting shed, greenhouse, bridge, or outdoor garden & storage shed using free building plans found online.