Crime prevention information from your PCSO

Your local PCSO James Robinson reports:

As spring approaches the number of shed break-ins can increase. Items such as lawnmowers, bicycles, golf clubs, fishing tackle and power tools can all be kept insecurely in sheds and these can all be easy pickings for thieves to target. The tips below can help to prevent you from becoming a victim of this crime.

• Install a shed alarm, with a notice displayed to warn thieves that it is not worth the effort of breaking in. The alarms are easy to install and can be purchased at most DIY stores.
• Make sure the door is always securely locked. Ensure all valuable property is marked with your postcode. Post coding property makes your belongings very unattractive to a thief by making items easily identifiable and difficult to sell.
• Lock up pedal cycles. Use bike locks and chain them inside to other large items or to the shed. Keep a record of the make, model and ID numbers of bicycles and all other equipment and take photographs of unusual items.
• Check your household insurance policy to ensure that the value of things stored inside is covered by your contents’ policy.

Keep vigilant and report anything that might be suspicious to Kent Police. This might be a person or a vehicle.