Hertforshire Constabulary are aware of the concerns many of you share regarding the security of allotments. We have put together some information, which we hope will provide you with some useful advice.
Try to keep the site tidy. Youths are less likely to think they will get away with messing around, having fewer places to hide will deter thieves and vandals. Do not leave material around that is easy to set fire to e.g. piles of dry sticks and paraffin in sheds.
Sheds are not designed for secure storage. Do not leave valuables in them. Consider leaving the shed unlocked to minimise damage.
Cultivate thorny climbers over sheds.
Conceal tools. Possible hiding places include: under the shed floor, in a built-in ‘secret compartment’, in a bin liner in the long grass, or under a cardboard sheet/black polythene. Alternate where tools are hidden.
Use old tools, or mark new ones to reduce their resale value. Etching on your postcode and house number is remarkably effective.
If you must store valuable items in a shed, store them in a strong lockable box/cage or chain them to a metal ring fixed in concrete.
If you must lock your shed use non return screws on all hinges, coach bolts or strong pad-bars and close shackle padlocks. Bear in mind that, in the case of a wooden shed, the thief can just saw a hole or smash a window.
Keep a note of serial numbers of power tools and photograph valuable items.
Contacting Us: Please help us to respond appropriately to incidents by using the following numbers: -
999 - Call goes to Herts HQ.
To be used where life or property is being threatened THERE AND THEN.
E.g.: Crime in Progress, Injury Accident or Road Blocked/Drunk Driver Using Vehicle Now.
0845-3300222
Calls go to the County Control Room for the Central Area
To be used on most other occasions.
E.g.: To report a crime that has already happened/ to contact the "Front Desk" (Lost &Found)/ to contact Officers regarding court cases and crime enquiries/ untaxed and abandoned vehicles.
This information is based on advice available at www.farmgarden.org.uk and www.thecei.org.uk