Police are urging homeowners to secure their sheds and garages following a increase in the number of burglaries in Swindon

The rise in non-dwelling burglaries has occurred primarily in the Swindon East pilicing sector and Wiltshire Police have increased patrol but communities are asked to join them in trying to curb this issue.

Wiltshire Police is urging all homeowners to secure their sheds and garages following a hike in the number of burglaries in Swindon.

The rise in non-dwelling burglaries has occurred primarily in the Swindon East pilicing sector and Wiltshire Police have increased patrol but communities are asked to join them in trying to curb this issue.

In relation to up and over garage doors, the offenders are simply popping open garage and shed doors as they are not usually secured as well as they should be. In addition to the normal, central lock on a garage, homeowners should consider installing two bolts to the bottom of the garage door and securing these to the wall of the building.

Security advice for sheds and garages:

• Never leave a shed or garage unlocked even for a short period of time.
• Install bolt locks to the bottom of garage and shed doors in addition to the original locking system.
• Install a security light which is visible and will switch on if anyone approaches the home, shed or garage.
• Never leave tools or valuable equipment in view of windows.
• Reinforce any door which might be easy to kick in.
• Use a heavy duty padlock on any external lock catch.
• Make sure all valuable items are security marked or make sure you have all the serial numbers written down.