Shed Break-Ins And Key Theft Warning

Police are urging shed owners to make sure their property is secure and valuable items kept inside are also as secure as possible. 

The renewed appeal comes following a number of shed break-ins in Wrexham and Flintshire in recent weeks when thieves stole;

Two bicycles from and insecure garage in Heulfan Way , Gwersyllt
A red Vulcan mountain bike was stolen after a garage door was forced at Trem y Nant, Wrexham
Power tools stolen from a garage in Ashfield Road, Wrexham
Outbuilding forced open and rocky mountain bike stolen in Maeshafn Road, Gwernymynydd

Community Safety Officer Sgt Dawn Samuels said: “Many thefts can be prevented if steps to protect the property are taken.

• Fit two heavy-duty pad-bolts or hasps; a third down from the top and a third up from the bottom.
• Use threaded coach-bolts with large washers or ideally backing plates to prevent the bolts being pulled through the wood; screws can easily be pulled out of the thin doors.
• Use large quality padlocks with hardened steel shackles.
• Fit key operated locks on the corners of each opening window, or consider screwing them permanently shut from the inside if you never open them.

Last month Wrexham.com met with Inspector Mark Willams and Sergeant Paul Wycherly to discuss the increase in shed break-ins in the area.

Since April of this year 16 people have been arrested and convicted in relation to the incidents.

Speaking about the rise in shed related burglaries, Inspector Williams mentioned seasonal changes and how different crimes take place depending on the time of year. Inspector Williams said: “There is a problem with shed break-ins in Wrexham. These days people have very expensive bikes in their sheds. A lot of stuff is being kept in them.”

You can read our full report on shed break-ins here.

Motorists are also being reminded not to leave their keys in vulnerable places at home and make sure doors and windows are locked.

Sgt Samuels said; “Opportunist thieves will sneak in through an unlocked door and can take a set of keys from a table, a wall hook or a handbag in seconds.

“Never leave your car keys in a place where they can be easily snatched. Don’t leave them hanging just inside your door where thieves can unhook them through the letterbox, and don’t leave your car keys downstairs when you go to bed.”

North Wales Police are hosting a Crime Prevention event at Tesco Broughton on Friday 11am- 3pm.

For more information on protecting property contact the crime prevention officer at North Wales Police by contacting 101. The police also ask that if you see anything suspicious, make a note of the details and contact the police immediately on 999.