Date: 01 April 2007 09:42

.SPRING
Spring is round the corner so I shall be concentrating this issue of
"Updates" on practical advice re safeguarding your property and homes:-

Gardeners urged to get sheducated this spring. After a winter indoors many 
gardeners are returning to their sheds this spring so police in Southern 
Division are warning people to be
sheducated and not leave themselves open to opportunist thieves. High value 
power tools, garden mowers and bicycles are often left in sheds and 
outbuildings. The warning is to ensure they are secure in the shed and the 
shed itself is properly locked The Police always see an increase in this 
crime, at this
time of year, so let's see if we can reduce it this year. An insecure shed 
with hundreds of pounds of property inside is a very easy target for a walk 
by thief looking for easy picking. High value items, such as bicycles, 
should be secured in the shed when ever possible and it is a good idea to 
cover any windows so nothing gains unwanted attention. Shed doors should be 
locked with a good quality bolt which cannot be easily removed or kicked 
off." Property should also be marked when ever possible so if it is 
recovered it can be easily returned to the rightful owner.

BANK HOLIDAYS ALWAYS SEES AN INCREASE IN BURGLARIES

There is always an increase in this type of crime over these periods. Please 
be extra vigilant with your security arrangements and below once again are a 
few pointers to assist you in a small way:-
*     Ask a friend or neighbour to look after your house if you are away,
be sure to leave details of where you are staying or contact details.
*     Cancel milk, newspapers etc.
*     Make use of time switches better still leave a radio on.
*     Don't leave items of value on open view.
*     Take the time out one-day to mark your property photograph items of 
high value e.g. jewellery and note serial numbers of electrical goods.
*     Don't forget outbuilding i.e. sheds and garages.

Also as the days are getting lighter we find that cycles which have been in 
storage over the Winter months are once again being used. So if you should 
own one, try to prevent it from being stolen, please adopt some of the 
guidelines offered
*     Do not leave cycles in isolated places
*     Park safely and considerately where your bike will not cause a danger 
or obstruction to others - particularly to older people, young children, or 
people with disabilities
*     Always lock a cycle when leaving it, even if it's only for a few 
minutes
*     Secure bikes to proper stands or robust street furniture
*     Lock cycles through the frame
*     Secure or remove wheels
*     Remove smaller parts and accessories that can't be secured, especially 
lights, pumps and quick release saddles
*     Remember that more than half of cycle theft happens at the owner's 
home.

Yours

John Reynolds