HARLOW: Keep your sheds and garages safe from burglars

Police are urging homeowners to ensure outbuildings are protected against burglars.

This warning follows 13 reports of garage and shed burglaries in the Harlow area in the past fortnight, some of which could have been avoided.

Harlow crime reduction officer Graham Anthony said: "To avoid tempting thieves you should ensure that your shed or garage doors are fitted with good quality locks which are difficult to force. Use closed shackle padlocks instead of open shackle ones and consider fitting a defender lock on the outside of the garage to prevent the door being easily lifted open. Security lighting units that turn on whenever they detect movement within the area can be a useful deterrent to burglars.

"Some people use alarms to scare the burglar away. Over the past few years we have issued over 5,000 units free of charge. Unfortunately we haven't got anymore to give away but I can let you know where you might buy one."

For more advice contact Graham on 01279 625460 or your local PCSO on 0300 333 4444 ext 20610 / 20611.