Nip shed thefts in the bud
Friday 15th October 2010
Police in Wakefield are urging householders to secure their sheds and
garages after a recent spate of thefts.
Detective Sergeant Sue Buxton of Wakefield District Police said: "Many
people store valuable property like fishing tackle and lawnmowers in a shed
or garage which is either left insecure or is in such a poor state of
repair that it doesn't provide a barrier to a would-be thief.
"These sorts of things are not cheap. They are also very saleable items for
thieves. Don't make it easy to steal them and remember that tools stolen
from your shed could be used to burgle your house."
DS Buxton particularly urged residents to check shed and garage hinges.
"There have been several reports recently of hinge doors being unscrewed
and thieves gaining access into property this way." she said.
During the past four weeks:-
The Wakefield and Normanton areas have suffered 41 shed/garage break-ins.
Of these 7 offences were committed by unscrewing hinges. Most commonly
doors were forced and padlocks cut. Of the 41 offences, one quarter (10)
had fishing equipment or gardening equipment taken. Bikes were also stolen.
Pontefract & Knottingley areas have suffered 9 shed/garage break-ins. The
most common way of getting in was by using force/cutting padlocks.
The South East area has suffered 20 shed/garage break-ins. Of these 3 were
committed by unscrewing hinges. Again doors were mostly forced and padlocks
cut. Of the 20 offences, 40% (
had fishing equipment or gardening
equipment stolen.
Officers are also appealing for information concerning a Peg Perego
children's 'choo choo express' toy train that was stolen from a shed in
Church Drive, South Kirkby this week. "This is quite an expensive
children's toy," said DS Buxton. "If you know of anyone who is offering
something of this nature locally in the area for sale please give us a
call."
West Yorkshire Police Website
