Security is being offered to shed owners in parts of South Norfolk to help combat a recent rise in shed break-ins.

Shed alarms are being sold by the Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNT’s) who cover the South Norfolk area, including Loddon, Cringleford, Hethersett, Mulbarton and Thurlton  areas, which have all been affected by this crime in past weeks.   

Insp James Brown, who leads the policing teams in Wymondham, Hethersett, Mulbarton, Poringland and Loddon said: “I hope that once shed owners have these alarms in place, and by taking on board extra added crime prevention advice being offered by SNT’s in the area we will be able to work to prevent thieves operating in the area.

We would also like to encourage people to mark their property mark in a permanent way their belongings, either by engraving or using UV marker pens as this makes any stolen property worthless because it is becomes easily identifiable and so difficult to sell on. By actively marking property it can discourage would-be criminals and help improve security generally in the community."

Officers are pro-actively working to identify those responsible, and are visiting events such as local car boot sales to ensure stolen property is not being sold on. 

Over the past month there have been 12 shed outbuilding breaks recorded in the South Norfolk area. 

To protect your shed from being targeted Norfolk Constabulary offers the following advice:

• Do not neglect the hinge either side and use security screws or bolts through their fixings.
• Fit good quality mortice locks or padlocks 1/3 up and 1/3 down on the door to reduce the leverage available.
• Secure the windows with a weld mesh or a crime shield product secured from the inside.
• Fit a security light to deter potential thieves.
• Use padlocks and chains to secure high value items including power tools, lawnmowers and cycles to an anchor.
• Overtly security mark your property with your house number and postcode.

While the teams are proactively visiting any victims of crime and neighbouring properties, they are also encouraging any other shed owners who would like to benefit from these alarms to contact them.  Members of the team are also available to offer crime prevention advice or guidance on any other matters of concern.

Those interested in crime prevention advice or in buying an alarm for their shed are asked to contact their Safer Neighbourhood Team. All teams can be contacted by calling 0845 456 4567