Thefts from sheds and vehicles

With the nights getting darker and winter drawing in, there is potential for problems to get worse.

The Police say that current figures show that on, average, at least one person is becoming a victim of this kind of crime each day in East Hampshire. If anyone has seen or heard anything please call 101 with the information.

They are doing their best to address the issue, but in many cases theft can be prevented by observing simple crime prevention advice.

Shed and Barn Theft

• Place all tools and garden equipment in locked sheds, barns and garages.
• Secure more expensive items to an anchor point within the shed, barn or garage.
• Record serial numbers and mark all items with a postcode, e.g. UV pens or forensic marking kits. Register the details for free on www.immobilise.com.
• Take photographs of items if they are unusual or unique for easy identification at a later date.
• Keep the shed / garage in good repair and fit an alarm.
• Consider covering windows with curtains to obscure the view of contents.

Thefts from vehicles

• Don't leave anything in your car - if it's not there, then it can't be stolen.
• Choose a stereo that can be removed and make sure you take it with you! You should also mark it with your registration number or postcode, in case it's stolen.
• Thieves aren't picky, so don't leave even low-value items in your car. Often thieves will smash and grab first and look later to see if what they've stolen is valuable.
• Don't hide it - if you hide items under the seat or in the glove box, chances are someone will have watched you. If you cannot avoid leaving something in your car, put it in your boot before you begin your journey.
• Don't leave valuables in your car even for a minute - it only takes a thief a few seconds to smash a window and get what they want, so don't take the chance.
• Your car isn't safe to be left unlocked on your driveway - nearly half of all incidents where items are stolen from cars happen when they are parked overnight, close to the owner's home.
• Don't leave your house keys or anything with your address on it in your vehicle - someone could steal your keys and then let themselves into your home.
• Don't leave your vehicle unattended at any time if it is unlocked; if you decide to start the ignition before leaving on a cold morning, make sure you don't go back inside your home and provide an easy target for a thief.

Sat Navs

• If it's portable, take the sat nav with you together with the support cradle and suction pads.
• Wipe away any marks left by the suction pads as thieves will look out for these.
• Don't leave your equipment in the glove compartment - thieves usually check here first.

Securing Cars

• Always secure your car.
• Always lock your car and wind your windows up, even if you are just posting a letter or going into a petrol station.
• If you are stationary in traffic, keep your doors locked and don't wind your windows too far down - someone could reach in and try to grab something off your passenger seat.
• Use a steering wheel lock every time you leave your car - it makes life more difficult for the thief and therefore your car a less tempting target.
• Get a car alarm - they not only deter a thief from stealing the car, but also from stealing items from inside it. Have it fitted by a professional.
• Immobilisers stop the engine from starting if the car is being stolen and they are the best way to stop thieves. Having an immobiliser is a good idea if you have an expensive car, and it might help to reduce your insurance premiums.

Log your property for free on www.immobilise.com