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I wanted to provide you with an update regarding burglary, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey. Key messages on outbuildings:
Sheds and garages are often vulnerable as they are not very secure and contain tools with which the burglar can use to assist them to gain entry into a home.
Ensure your shed is securely anchored down – some offenders have simply lifted them up to gain access
Secure sheds with a hasp and staple fitted with a closed shackle padlock.
Shed windows can be reinforced with grills. For added security, fit a shed alarm.
Garage doors can be made more secure by installing additional security such as padlocks to provide multiple locking points or using floor mounted locking T bars.
If you have an internal door leading directly from your garage to your home, ensure this door is solid and robust and secured with a British Standard 5 lever mortise lock and additional security such as hinge bolts
If items can be seen from outside, they will be vulnerable so cover them up and tidy away tools.
Use a ground anchor to secure motorcycles, pedal cycles and other high value items to stop them being easily removed. Tools can also be chained to floors and walls to prevent their easy removal.
Consider extending the coverage of any household burglar alarm to your garage, conservatory or home extension.
Keep bins stored away if possible - they provide a climbing aid for burglars and if left out they can indicate if a home is unoccupied
Ladders and tools left outside and insecure can often be used to break into or access your home so ensure these are locked to a ground anchor or put away after use
 While we will continue to pursue burglars in the area, there are steps you can do to help keep your property safe. Make sure that you: Double lock your door every time you leave the house If you can, move garden furniture or bins away from windows so that thieves cannot use them to gain access. Use laminated glass or security film on ground floor and accessible windows. Use a sash stop if you have sash windows to prevent people opening them enough to climb through. If your windows open outwards, use a key operated lock – check these are locked before leaving the house. Make sure all valuables are out of sight. Keep handbags and keys away from letterboxes or cat flaps. In the evening shut the curtains and leave lights on. Set your burglar alarm Lock your shed or garage Mark, register or record your valuables.
Please go to our website to find the latest advice and guidance on keeping yourself safe. If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.met.police.uk/, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. Get Involved Please consider getting involved and contribute to the local priority survey, we may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on. Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 
Please click here to complete the survey
We are working on our brand-new strategy for how we police London and we want your help. Our New Met for London: Phase 2 strategy will guide how we deliver on behalf of Londoners over the next three years, and we want to make sure you have had the chance to have your say. The consultation paper is available online, as well as a survey to let us know what you think. This closes on the 15 September. | 
