Police event helps improve shed security at Wrexham allotment
Work has taken place this week to improve shed security at a local allotment.
The Wrexham Council-run allotment on Erddig Road has been targeted several times over recent months with sheds broken into and criminal damage reported.
During October and November, North Wales Police received 14 reports of thefts and criminal damage at the site.
In December it was announced that measures have been put in place to tackle the problem, including the installation of CCTV cameras and extra lighting at the allotments.
Alarms have also being placed on sheds in a bid to deter any further crime and branches will be cut back to prevent people climbing in.
This week PCSO John Davies was at the Erddig Road Allotments to improve shed security at the site.
The event, held alongside the co-leader of the allotments and Wrexham Council allotment manager, came as part of Neighbourhood Policing Week.
PCSO Davies said: “Thefts have been continuing problem at this site which is why we have been working with holders to improve awareness of the vulnerabilities there.
“I am aware of the impact these crimes have on allotment holders who work hard to maintain their plot.
“The event was a success and we have received some really positive feedback, along with making the sheds more secure with better locks and giving out crime prevention advice.”
The following tips to help prevent break-ins were issued by North Wales Police in December:
Sheds and outbuildings
- Keep them in good condition and locate them in a visible position.
- Use high quality locks, doors and hinges and ideally block off all windows.
- Use tamper proof screws or drill out screw heads.
- Visibly mark property and record serial numbers for free on www.immobilise.com, the police’s national property register, to aid recovery of any
- stolen items.
- If you do not use any equipment or tools on a regular basis – take them home.
Lighting
- A well-lit allotment is less attractive to thieves
Perimeter
- Regularly check all fencing to make sure it’s in good condition. Ideally your fence should be 2 metres high and form a solid barrier with no gaps.
- Gates should always be securely locked and be of a design that makes climbing difficult.
- Check there are no bins, composters, trees or bushes that can be used for climbing over the fence.
- Consider planting thorny bushes inside the fence to deter entry.
Alarms
- Make sure there is a procedure in place to respond quickly to an alarm.
Signs
- Install clearly visible, weatherproof signs alerting passers-by to the opening hours, rules, contact details, all property on site is security marked, any CCTV cameras and how to report a crime.
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