Police Notice: Shed and garage security warning after boy charged with theft

Police are urging anyone planning to do DIY this weekend to add fitting an alarm to their shed and garage to the list.

They’re cheap, effective, easy to fit and available from most DIY stores.

They are making this call after charging a 14-year-old boy with two garage burglaries in Emersons Green last week (August 20-25) in which a bicycle, hedge trimmer and lawnmower were stolen. He has been released on conditional police bail, including a night-time curfew, until he appears before Northavon magistrates.

In the past week there have also been reports of thieves making off empty-handed after breaking into garages in Yate, Mangotsfield and Kingswood, and bicycles being stolen from garages in Bradley Stoke, Emersons Green and Kingswood.

Community Safety Inspector Gerry Treacy said: “We know thieves target sheds and garages looking for valuable bicycles and tools to steal and we’re running targeted patrols of the affected areas. I’d recommend fitting a shed alarm and calling us immediately if it sounds. Chaining your bike to a ground anchor or solid object within the shed or garage is also important.

“It’s also a good idea to mark bikes, tools and other items with your postcode and register them at  www.immobilise.com. This deters thieves because they know we will be able to prove the item is stolen and enables us to get it back to the rightful owner.”

There’s more home security advice on the website  www.avonandsomerset.police.uk, or contact your neighbourhood team.

Anyone with any information which could help enquiries into shed and garage burglaries can report it through  www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/contact, or calling 101. Alternatively ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They never ask your name or trace your call.

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