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Here’s an update on burglary locally. Keeping your shed or garage safe and secure
Many people don’t secure their shed or garage in the same way they do their homes - often using an easy-to-break lock or padlock to protect valuable contents such as a car, bike or lawnmower.
An opportunistic burglar will try a shed or garage first because they can find the tools they need to break into the main house.
Shed and outbuilding security: first steps
First off, check that your insurance covers the contents of your shed or outbuildings from theft.
Think like a thief
Take a look at your shed and consider how you would break in. It’s worth having a good padlock on the door with no exposed screws. Pay attention to hinges, as these are sometimes easily removable. If you have windows then these could be vulnerable unless they’re secured with wire mesh or grills. And keep it locked at all times.
Alarm it
Consider a battery-operated shed alarm. They look low key but they respond to movement or door contact with an extremely loud siren.
Lock it, hide it or mark it
Don’t give them the opportunity or the tools to commit a crime. Lock everything away securely. Tools can be locked inside a locker or box or secured with a chain.
Secure your bike to the ground or a lockable stand within a locked shed or garage. Visit Sold Secure to search for ground anchors and other locks designed to fix to floors and walls.
It’s always worth draping an old sheet or blanket over the top of mowers or bikes to keep them covered from view.
Although it might sound like stating the obvious, never leave your garage or shed door unlocked if you’re not around. Keep the door closed between uses so that no one can see what's inside.
Property mark your items and take photographs of them. Some tools can be painted with your name or postcode and forensic marking is also an option. You can also register any item that has a serial number with Immobilise.
A locksmith belonging to the Master Locksmiths Association can advise you on the most secure shed and garage door security. They can also help you install it. Most also provide full home security surveys.
The top five most common items stolen from sheds
Bikes
Mowers
Sports equipment
Power tools
Garden tools
 Across London, we’re now arresting more than 1,000 extra criminals every month and seeing local crimes like burglary, robbery and theft start to fall, with ‘neighbourhood crime’ down 14%. While we will continue to pursue burglars in the area, there are steps you can do to help keep your property safe. Please go to our website to find the latest advice and guidance on keeping yourself safe and protecting your home. You can report an incident of burglary by 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. 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 want your help to shape the future of policing across London. We are seeking your views on our new inclusion strategy to ensure that the Met is a police service that is trusted, representative and more effective at keeping London safe. You can have your say on our Inclusion Strategy consultation which runs until Thursday 26 November. | 
