Police on the Isle of Wight are issuing crime prevention advice to local residents after a number of tool thefts from outbuildings recently.
Between Monday 26th June and Wednesday 19th July items including chainsaws, strimmers and a circular saw have been stolen from addresses in and around Newport. A total of 7 reports have been received so far, with 6 relating to premises on Blackwater Road and the seventh on Medina Avenue. 2 of the reports relate to locks being cut, but no items being taken.
Officers are especially keen to hear from anyone who has been offered any second-hand Stihl power tools for sale in the area.
In addition 2 outbuildings on The Pitts and Church Road in Ventnor, and Station Avenue in Sandown, were broken into between 15th June and 19th July. Again power tools were stolen and a cement mixer was taken from the shed on Church Road. Officers are investigating whether any of the thefts reported to us are linked in any way.
General home and outbuilding security
• Keep the boundaries of your property well-maintained and secure to try to keep out unwanted visitors.
• Ensure all doors and windows are shut and locked when not in use.
• Ensure windows and door frames are in good repair.
• Fit adequate locks to sheds, garages and outbuildings and consider fitting shutters or grilles to windows, or blocking them completely.
• Fit good quality window locks.
• Consider fitting a monitored home intruder alarm.
• Check security equipment regularly to ensure it works properly.
Security lighting
• Install automatic security lights that come on at dusk and go off at dawn.
• Help make your property look occupied by fitting timer switches to lamps in different rooms and set them to come on at staggered times.
• Make sure the manufacturer’s instructions are adhered to at all times when using electrical security devices.
CCTV and intruder alarms
• Consider installing CCTV to provide formal surveillance to the most vulnerable areas of the property.
• Consider installing an audible and monitored intruder alarm system.
Equipment security
• Leave vehicles out of sight when not in use.
• Vehicles and plant equipment should be locked when left outside and the keys kept in your possession or in a locked key safe.
• Consider the use of hitch locks, wheel clamps or ground anchors. You may require a combination of the above to meet insurance requirements.
Security marking
• All property, including vehicles and tools, should be uniquely marked, photographed and details such as serial, chassis and model numbers recorded.
There are a number of methods for marking property effectively.
• Covertly – for example through use of Forensic DNA marker as liquid, gel or grease; UV pen; tracking or tagging technology; micro-marking.
• Overtly – by engraving/chemical etching; labels; postcoding or use of bar codes.
• Log your property for free on www.immobilise.com
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Hampshire Constabulary on 101 quoting 44170263786 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.
