Kennington shed breaks
There has been multiple thefts from sheds on Poplar Grove, Meadow View and on Bagley Close over the Christmas period. Opportunist thieves identify sheds and garages as easy pickings because they are usually fairly unprotected and lack basic security measures. The buildings often contain property that can be sold on or implements that can be used to force entry into the owner’s home. Many people fall short on basic security of their sheds and garages. Please follow this advice to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of this crime.
• Keep your shed/garage in good condition.
• Fit a closed shackle padlock to the door.
• Fittings should be bolted through the door and any screws concealed.
• It is easy to unscrew the ironmongery, steal contents and in some cases replace the screws to make it look as if the shed has not been tampered with.
• By using tamper proof screws or coach bolts, together with a good quality pad bar or hasp and staple and close shackled padlock, the shed owner will make it harder for the would-be thief.
• Bond any window glass in with mastic to prevent easy removal. Fit grilles or mesh to windows to slow down the thief.
• Ensure all equipment and tools are locked away when not in use.
• Install a shed/garage alarm.
• Post-code or mark all property such as lawnmowers, bikes, and tools using ultraviolet pens, forensic marking such as Selecta DNA, SmartWater or engravers.
• Install security lighting as a deterrent, and plants such as thorny shrubs to act as a barrier at potential access points.
• If building a shed, put it where it is most visible to you and neighbours.
• Ensure ladders are locked to a secure fixture in the shed or garage so they can’t be used to reach top floor windows.
• Chain large items such as bicycles together, making it much more difficult for a thief to carry away.
• Fit a wire cage inside a shed where more expensive items can be locked away.
• No thief wants to hang about longer than they have to so delay the time it will take them to get their hands on your tools
Back to School
As the schools are back this month I would just like to remind you to park considerately and safely and drop-off and pick-up times. Consider parking further way from the school and walking part of your journey – this disperses the cars and reduces the number in any one location to a safer level. Also please:
• Do not drive or park on the pavement as children are taught this is a safe place to be and blocking pavements makes it difficult for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
• Do not park within 10 metres of a junction so that motorists have safe
• Do not block pavements and driveways
• Manoeuvre/reverse careful
• Do not block residents drive or drop-kerbs
• Do not park where there are restrictions; single yellow lines with date/time restrictions, double yellow lines and especially school keep clear zig-zags.
Have your say meeting
Please come and speak to me about any concerns outside Radley Village Hall on Thursday 18 Jan between 5pm – 6pm.
Contact us
If you want any advice or would like to contact the neighbourhood team you can call us on the police non-emergency number 101 or if it is an emergency then dial 999. You can also contact us via email . Please note this email address cannot be used to contact Thames Valley Police to report crimes or for any urgent matters. To view information on your neighbourhood team visit the Thames Valley Police website at: www.thamesvalley.police.uk. Receive free local crime alerts and crime prevention advice by registering at www.thamesvalleyalert.co.uk today. This allows anyone who signs up to choose what updates they receive and how they would like to receive it. The Thames Valley Police Twitter account is kept up to date with what we are up to; please follow us @TVPSouthandVale
