Consumers advised to keep power tools secure

These days there are many power tools available for consumers to buy. As well as high street shops, online retailers are also providing such devices, including cordless drills and much more.

Anyone who has invested in items of this nature may want to heed recently issued police advice and keep them secured. According to Cambridgeshire Constabulary, while most people realise the need to guard their homes against burglary, they sometimes neglect outbuildings such as sheds and garages.

Crime reduction officer Rachel Carr remarked: “In some cases sheds have been broken into and tools or other equipment within were used to break into a home. Burglars have also used a ladder or wheelie bin to get into a property or first floor window.”Many garden sheds are out of sight in a rear garden. Residents should think about how an intruder might gain access.”

The force issued a number of specific tips. It suggested consumers should always secure sheds and outbuildings with strong locks. Meanwhile, power tools and other pieces of equipment should be held with a strong chain or placed in secure storage units, it pointed out.

Meanwhile, individuals can go one step further and install shed alarms as these can help deter thieves determined to steal cordless drills and anything else they can sell on. Many simply versions of such warning systems are available at DIY stores, the force noted.

In addition, consumers were told to ensure their perimeter fences or hedges are in a good state of repair. Prickly plants or thorny shrubs can also serve as a deterrent, it claimed. Also, motion sensor lights were recommended, while people were told to consider investing in gravel for paths on driveways and under windows and doors because it is louder than other surfaces.If people fail to take appropriate security measures, they may well find that their insurance providers refuse to pay out in the event of a burglary.