Warning to Glenrothes residents following shed break in

The incident is believed to have take place some time between March 11 and March 14 in Banchory Green, with a bike and tools stolen.

As well as appealing for information, officers have provided some helpful advice on keeping your shed secure as summer approaches.

Glenrothes Community Sergeant Kenny Greig said: “Local officers will be out speaking to residents in local communities, providing a reassuring presence and supplying helpful security information and advice.

“If you have a garden, it’s the first thing an intruder will have to deal with if they want to try and break into your house. There are also items in your garden or which you may keep in a garden shed or garage which a thief will find attractive. Take some simple steps to secure your garden, shed and garage.”

· Keep hedges low and walls / fences in a good state of repair and no higher than 4 feet – this will make it harder for an intruder to work unseen. If you do have higher fences, consider fitting a topping such as a trellis or Prikka Strip.

· Consider nature’s own defences – growing aggressive shrubbery which is harder for intruders to climb through. Ideal plants include berberis, blue spruce, common holly, giant rhubarb, golden bamboo, firethorn, shrub rose, pencil Christmas tree, juniper and rubus (bramble).

· Security lighting around an unobservable place will only benefit the thief. Ensure that illumination around your property is appropriate for your use but not a thief. Automatically operated lighting works best as a deterrent where there are adjoining properties where neighbours would be able to notice it being activated.

· Make sure bins are located in an area which doesn’t allow them to be easily used as a step to climb over fences / walls or access windows.

· Lock away any garden implements, furniture or tools in a secure shed, garage or outside store. They may not only be an attractive target for theft, but also items such as ladders which are useful for breaking into your home.

Also with regard to the property in your outbuildings:

· Photograph valuable items of garden furniture and / or garden tools. Note and keep a record of make, model, colour and serial numbers and use a UV pen or similar to security mark them with your house number and postcode.

· You may wish to use a chain or other device to lock garden tools and furniture together to the structure which will make them harder to remove.

· Fit a good quality hasp and padlock to the door, fitted with dome headed or non-returnable screws to prevent tampering. Appropriate products that are approved as ‘Sold Secure’ or ‘Secured by Design’ should be considered. For more information visit www.securedbydesign.com

· Secure windows and don’t give intruders the opportunity to see inside. Depending on the type of window, you could consider fitting internal window grills, heavy wire mesh or reinforced glass. You could also use curtains or opaque film. If the window opens, a window lock should be fitted.

· If you have an intruder alarm, consider extending it to cover sheds, garages and outbuildings and ensure that there is a visible external sounder box.

· If you do not have a secure shed then bring items inside – don’t leave them lying out.

Dick Jones from the Neighbourhood Safety Group said: “Our group is active in the area and our main aim is to get community safety and crime prevention messages across and give people the chance to purchase items of equipment which could improve their personal security or the security of their homes or garden sheds.

“Among the items which we have available are purse safety chains; purse bell alert bells, personal attack alarms; shed alarms and light timers. As mentioned by Sergeant Greig you can simply drop into Glenrothes Police Station to have a look at the great products on offer.”

Glenrothes Police are committed to Community Engagement. For details of your next Community Engagement Meeting or to speak with your community officer please phone on 101 or online at www.scotland.police.uk and select Fife Division.