Improve shed security after spate of thefts

Addresses in Fairlight, Westfield, Stonegate and Ticehurst were targeted by thieves overnight on May 22/23.

Two Stihl chainsaws, a Makita cordless drill, a Dewalt drill and a belt sander plus other tools were taken from a garage in Primrose Hill, Fairlight.

A dark green Hayter petrol lawnmower was stolen from the driveway of a house in Heathlands, Westfield.

Further tools were taken from a detachted garage in Limden Close, Stonegate, and a vehicle parked in Farthing Hill, Ticehurst.

And a garage and shed at a home in Lower Waites Road, Fairlight, was broken into twice over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Sussex Police are urging residents to increase their security.

Hastings and Rother crime prevention officer Hilary Warden said: “Garages and sheds often contain high value items but the security of these outbuildings is sometimes neglected by homeowners.

“It goes without saying that garages and sheds should be secured at all times.

“Even when you are in the house or garden - an opportunist can be away with your property in a very short time.

“Garage and shed alarms are widely available and not expensive and can be an excellent deterrent to thieves.

“If you are using a padlock, ensure it is a close shackle padlock and be sure to fix the hasp and staple with coach bolts to prevent them being levered off.

“Also chain items together and ideally to a fixed anchor point.

“You should also consider installing a lockable steel cabinet within the garden/shed to store valuable tools in.

“Ensure that all your property is marked with your postcode and house number. This can be done clearly with a permanent marker pen or with some paint and also additionally use an invisible UV marker pen.

“Make a note of all serial numbers of tools, bicycles etc. and consider using www.immobilise.com to record your property.”

If you would like further crime prevention information and assistance with property marking, please contact your local PCSO by visiting www.sussex.police.uk/help-centre/your-local-district.

Anyone with information about the thefts should call 101, email [email protected] or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.