Appeal and crime prevention advice after offenders target sheds in Tad..

Officers are appealing for information and issuing crime prevention advice after offenders targeted sheds in the Tadley areas.

The incidents happened at some time overnight between Friday 22 March and Saturday 23 March.

Offender/s broke down a fence at a property in Meon Close, to gain entry to the garden. They then stole power tools from the shed.

Offender/s also attempted to gain entry to a garden shed at a property in Gorselands. They were unsuccessful and left empty handed.

The men police want to speak to are described as: white, aged 18 to 25, and of skinny to medium build. One was seen wearing a tracksuit and puffer coat.

Anyone with information is asked to contact us online or on 101 quoting 44240122940. Provide more information to be added to a crime report | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary

To help protect your property, we offer the following advice:

Think like a thief

Take a look at your shed and consider how you would break in. It’s worth having a good padlock on the door with no exposed screws. 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. And keep it locked at all times.

Alarm it

Consider a battery-operated shed alarm. They look low key but they respond to movement or door contact with an extremely loud siren.

Lock it, hide it or mark it

Don’t give them the opportunity or the tools to commit a crime. Lock everything away securely. Tools can be locked inside a locker or box or secured with a chain.

Secure your bike to the ground or a lockable stand within a locked shed or garage. Visit Sold Secure to search for ground anchors and other locks designed to fix to floors and walls.

It’s always worth draping an old sheet or blanket over the top of mowers or bikes to keep them covered from view.

Although it might sound like stating the obvious, never leave your garage or shed door unlocked if you’re not around.

Property marking your items is advisable and some tools can be painted with your name or postcode. Forensic marking is also an option. 

A locksmith belonging to the Master Locksmiths Association can advise you on the most secure shed and garage door security. They can also help you install it. Most also provide full home security surveys.