As the weather starts to become warmer, police are warning that people can become more complacent meaning it is important to stay on top of the security of your home or garden shed. Burglars target garages, outbuildings and sheds over the next few months as they know they are likely to find expensive lawn mowers, hedge cutters, bikes and power tools.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Bracknell Forest Council’s executive member for culture, corporate services and public protection, said: “Our community safety team is working with local police to encourage us to consider the security of sheds, garages and outbuildings in the same way as we look after the safety and security of our homes.

“How much would you lose if your shed or garage was broken into and how inconvenient would it be if your expensive lawn mower or bike was stolen?

“With the warmer weather fast approaching and with us spending more time working and playing outdoors, it’s important to think about what we store in our outbuildings.” The policing team and Bracknell Forest Council are hosting an event at Homebase, in Wokingham Road on Sunday, March 29 from 11am-3pm. The teams will be providing security information, crime prevention advice and signing people up to Thames Valley Alerts.

Insp Dave Bryan, said: “In addition to these events, the neighbourhood teams will be carrying out high visibility patrols in the town and the rural areas. The team will also be carrying out a series of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) operations and proactively patrolling burglary hot spot areas to target known offenders.

“We will be out and about, so if you have any concerns or just want some advice and information, approach your local neighbourhood officers who will be there to assist you."

Advice to follow: - Make access to areas where sheds and outbuildings are located as difficult as possible – lock all side and rear gates using a bolt and padlock or hasp and staple lock and make sure fencing/hedging is secure. Prickly plants can be used around the fence line to deter access.

- Install passive security lighting in gardens.

- Keep sheds, garage and outbuilding locked with good quality locks - padlock alarms are available from hardware shops that sound if any attempt is made to tamper with it.

- Consider putting bars on the windows of sheds etc. to prevent break-ins.

- Strengthen the security of sheds by reinforcing door hinges, fitting doors with non-returnable screws or coach bolts.

- Don't leave tools and equipment in gardens but keep them locked away and consider securing these with cables and chains with robust padlocks.

- Have power tools, garden implements and pedal cycles security marked with a post code and house number and deterrent warning stickers placed on the shed/garage/outbuilding windows.Use an ultra violet pen or a permanent marker pen on more heavy duty items such as lawn mowers.

Neighbourhood teams will also be leaving ‘Spring into action Secure your home’ postcards at people’s homes to ensure the occupants receive some crime prevention tips over the spring period.