A warning has gone out to owners of garden and allotment sheds after Surrey Police reported several cases of sheds being broken into in Mickleham earlier this month. Residents are advised to lock and secure their sheds and to report any theft or damage. Assistance is available by calling 101 and some general advice on how to increase security is detailed below.

Sheds packed with tools, machinery and other valuable equipment offer easy pickings to thieves – ensure the shed is always locked and install shed alarms and security lights.

Consider keeping valuable tools at home. If this is not possible chain any tools through their handles to large heavy items such as lawn mowers or cultivators. If you have neither of these fill a bucket with concrete and, using masonry fixing, chain your tools to this.

Record details of your property (make, model, serial number and identifying marks) and take photographs of items for easy identification.

Store bins and ladders carefully so they can’t be used as climbing aids.

If you are on holiday or will not be visiting your plot for some time, arrange with other plot holders to keep an eye on it.