KEEP GARDEN TOOLS OUT OF REACH RECENT crime reports are showing that some burglaries happen where tools found in the garden have been used to break into a home. Police are advising householders to ensure their garden equipment is securely locked away to reduce the risk of their home being burgled. Crime Reduction Officer, Dave Mance, said: “Burglars generally don't like to carry tools with them that they could use to break into someone's home in case they get stopped by police. They will target places that make it easy for them – often choosing the homes that have been left insecure, with doors unlocked or windows left open, but also, as our crime reports are showing, where the householder has given them a helping hand by leaving something in the garden that they can use to gain entry. “Burglars have used a trowel, garden fork, shears and a shovel to break in.” “So far we know about five offences like this across the county in the past four weeks but we can ensure there are no more if people follow our advice: Please remember to put away your garden tools and other equipment, such as ladders, at the end of the day and before you go out. Put them in your shed or garage and make sure the building is securely locked – especially if you keep your lawnmower and other more expensive tools and DIY items in there as these are also attractive items for burglars to steal.” For more crime prevention advice visit our website www.herts.police.uk and choose ‘crime prevention' or call 0845 33 00 222 to speak to a Crime Prevention Officer. July 2008