Warning to keep garden furniture secure

12:50pm Thursday 3rd July 2008

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FARMERS and rural residents have been warned to keep garden furniture and equipment under lock and key following a spate of burglaries.

Since June 7, everything from quad bikes to hanging baskets, televisions to bedding plants and chain saws to mountain bikes have been stolen from isolated properties in South Gloucestershire.

A ride-on lawn mower, strimmers and even a car have also been taken from houses, farms and nurseries in Tytherington, Thornbury, Wickwar, Badminton and Alveston.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Adrian Fallows said: "We have had nine reported thefts and burglaries from rural properties in the past three weeks.

"Levels of this sort of crime for our neighbourhood area are usually very low, but I would urge people to take extra security precautions and of course to call the police immediately on 0845 456 7000 if they see any suspicious activity."

Police are also urging anyone who has been offered suspected stolen goods for sale, or who has any other information which could help police enquiries, to call them immediately.

Sgt Fallows' top security tips: * Mark valuable property with your postcode * Keep a note of serial numbers and register valuables on www.immobilise.com * Register trailers with a commercial firm on www.ter-europe.org * Ensure gate, boundary and outbuilding security is good, with high-quality locks, bolts and hinges * Install motion-sensing security cameras * Put a builders' band across any outbuilding windows * Bolt an anchor plate to the floor and use a high-quality chain to secure bikes, trailers, power tools, or farming equipment within outbuildings * Always choose security products which are endorsed by Sold Secure or Thatcham * Always lock your car and keep your keys out of sight.

There is plenty more security advice on the police website www.avonandsomerset.police.uk