Police have warned homeowners to stay vigilant after they received reports where a homeowner’s own tools were used to break into their home.

Officers from the Bracknell and Wokingham team reached out to residents via social media on their Facebook page with a list of tips to ensure out-buildings and tools are secure as possible.

This includes security measures for sheds and garages and how to secure the tools themselves to prevent theft.

The top tips that they have listed on their social media are:

  • Please ensure all garden and other tools are securely locked away when not in use.
  • Never leave your garage or shed door unlocked if you are not around.
  • Consider a battery-operated shed alarm. They look low key but respond to movement or door contact with an extremely loud siren.
  • It is worth having a good padlock on the door with no exposed screws and pay attention to hinges, as these are sometimes easily removable. If you have windows then these could be vulnerable unless they’re secured with wire mesh or grills.
  • Drape an old sheet or blanket over the top of mowers or bikes to keep them covered from view.
  • You can secure bikes to the ground or a lockable stand within a locked shed or garage using ground anchors and other locks designed to fix to floors and walls.
  • Property marking your items is advisable and some tools can be painted with your name or postcode. Forensic marking is also an option and you can register items on the Immobilise website for free.
  • Check that your insurance covers the contents of your shed or outbuildings from theft.

 

Thams Valley Police said said: Please contact us if you have any information relating to crime in your neighbourhood. Report online or call us on 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on free phone 0800 555 111.