Officers investigating a series of reported shed breaks in the Redbridge area of Southampton would like to make local residents aware of some simple steps you can take to protect your property.

It was reported to us in the early hours of yesterday morning (Thursday 25 July) that a number of sheds had been broken into on Lower Brownhill Road.

Local officers are currently carrying out enquiries and will be in the area speaking to residents in the coming days.

While we investigate, we would like to ask anyone living in the area to please contact us if you have any information. Perhaps you have Ring Doorbell or CCTV footage that may have captured something in the early hours of yesterday morning? Or maybe you saw suspicious activity in the area?

We would also like to remind you of some simple steps you can take to protect your shed and property from crime:

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.
 

Property marking your items is advisable and some tools can be painted with your name or postcode. Forensic marking is also an option. 
 

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.

If you have any information that may assist our enquiries please call 101 quoting the reference number 44240315658. Alternatively, go online and submit information via https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/