Secure your property or face losing it- that’s the warning from Norfolk Constabulary.

This warning follows a recent number of thefts from front gardens and driveways in the Broadland and North Norfolk districts.

The main property being targeted by thieves are bicycles which have been left insecure, lying in the garden or propped up against a wall, with no added security.

The most recent theft reported to police happened overnight on Saturday 4 September in Russell Avenue, Spixworth where a silver Peugeot Explorer mountain bike was removed from the front garden.  The bike was left insecure.

Inspector Dave Cuff said: “A number of similar crimes have been reported across both the Broadland and North Norfolk Districts, so it is a good time to remind residents and owners to secure all valuable items that are left outside.

“It only takes a few minutes for someone to enter a front garden or driveway and walk or ride your bike away or take items of value.  Prevent these incidents by using a security lock, marking your bicycle and items with security products and make sure valuable items are kept inside a building overnight, when possible.

“Don’t give opportunist thieves an easy ride; make it difficult for them to commit crime”.

To help prevent crime Norfolk Constabulary offers the following advice:

• A thorny hedge along the boundary of your property can put thieves off 
• Burglars don’t like gravel, it’s noisy to walk on 
• Always close your gate and secure it with a lock 
• Trim back any hedges or plants that a burglar could hide behind 
• Keep your bike out of public view 
• Keep your bike or any valuable items in your garden in a shed, garage or inside the home 
• Secure valuable property e.g. bike or motorbike to an immovable object for added security, metal security rings which are bolted to your garage wall, available from bicycle shops, are also effective.