Garden tools warning issued by Ballymena police

With the longer evenings and warmer weather upon us many of us will be taking the opportunity to get outside into our gardens and yards. A good number of us will also begin sprucing up our outside areas - cutting the grass, perhaps investing in some new furniture or garden ornaments.
By The Newsroom
Published 8th Apr 2012, 13:23 BST

If you fall into either category it is important that you remember that there may be others watching what you are doing with interest. Thieves have been known to look out for easy targets at this time of year - the person who has invested in expensive garden ornaments or who leaves their lawnmower out overnight. Even the person who leaves their garden shed unlocked.

To the unscrupulous thief, these can present golden opportunities for them to help themselves to your belongings.

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Police would advise local residents to follow these simple steps to help reduce the chance of becoming a victim of opportunistic crime this summer-

-Never leave garages and sheds unlocked

-Use substantial padlocks on shed doors, dead head vulnerable screws on hinges and bolts

-Cover shed and garage windows on the inside so that criminals can’t see in. For a thief, being able to see into a garage can be like looking into a shop window!

-Consider securing valuable ornaments or statues by cementing them to a footing.

-Photograph any antique garden statues

-Weigh down plant containers with bricks inside the pots

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-Protect your perimeters by ensuring gates and railings are secure and in good repair.

-Secure ladders to permanent fixtures.

-Mark lawnmowers and other garden tools with your postcode followed by your house number by using a permanent marker or engraver.

-Chain bicycles together and secure the chain to a solid structure.

Further practical crime prevention advice is always available from your local crime prevention officer by calling 0845 600 8000.