Police Information

LOCK IT UP

 

 

 

 

Greater Manchester Police’s Salford Division is asking people to secure their sheds and garages as the weather gets warmer and the nights get lighter.

Residents are advised to make sure their shed or garage is always fully secured and to lock away all tools after working in the garden as burglars could use them to attempt to break into a house.  Other advice includes using security lighting, adding gravel to paths and using prickly plants in the garden.

Fiona James, Crime Reduction Advisor for Salford said: “As the nights get lighter and the temperatures rise, people are more likely to spend time working in the garden or garage.  It is vital that tools are secured in a safe place so offenders can’t steal them and so they can’t be used to break into your home.

“With the Easter holidays approaching, it is likely families may spend more time in the garden or leave their home unoccupied for long periods.  Please ensure all doors and windows are locked and a timer is used with a light, to give the impression someone is home.”

To report crime call police on 0161 872 5050 or for more information visit gmp.police.uk

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.  Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information.  Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

Top tips to secure your garden include:

Secure your garage or shed. These are easy targets and need protecting to stop a burglar stealing your gardening equipment or accessing these tools to break into your home.  Think about whether your garage or shed is the best place to store expensive items.  Use window locks on all opening garage and shed windows and replace or repair any broken glass.  Fit steel mesh or grilles internally and a curtain or nets so that items cannot be seen.

Lock it up! Don’t make it easy for the burglar by leaving your tools out while you are not in the garden.  A garden spade could be used to break in through a door and patio furniture left out overnight could be stolen or used to help a burglar get a leg up to an upstairs window.  Keep your possessions locked up and if possible, secured together by a closed shackle padlock and chain in case your shed or garage is broken into.  Fit a good quality hasp, staple and closed shackle padlock to the door of the shed or garage.

Use or install security lighting. Motion sensor lighting could stop a burglar in their tracks.

Add gravel to your paths. This low cost (and low maintenance) technique will deter a burglar because gravel is so noisy!  The sound of someone walking on gravel at night will carry very well and could easily wake someone or a family dog.

Use prickly plants. Plants with thorns and sharp edges can also be used to keep burglars at bay, such as roses or hawthorn.  Prickly plants can provide extra protection, as would-be burglars won’t want to injure themselves trying to clamber over them.

Use an alarm. It needn’t be difficult and battery operated alarms are freely available and can act as a deterrent.  If you have a house alarm, you could have it upgraded to include your shed or garage.
 
Get insured. Does your contents insurance cover the shed and garage and all the equipment you store there?  If not, perhaps it is time to upgrade your policy to include these things.

Keep a list. Do you have a list of what you keep in the garage or shed? Have you security marked your garden tools and possessions with a bold marker pen, including your postcode and house number?  Lawn mowers and other tools are less attractive to a thief if you write your postcode and house number across the top.

Watch out! Ask your neighbours to keep an eye on your shed and your house and offer to do the same for them in return.  And remember, if you are out enjoying the sun in the garden, have you left any windows or doors in your house open that could invite a burglar to pop in and steal something?

Keep it clear. If your shed is hidden behind plants, cut down the foliage so you're not providing cover for a thief.  Make sure that there are no ‘hiding places’ in your garden for any would-be burglar.  Keep front walls, hedges and fences at 3ft tall so that you can see anyone approaching your home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Using off road bikes and quad bikes in an anti social manner could land you in big trouble. If used on public land such as playing fields, disused railways etc it will lead to the bike/quad being seized under sec 59 of the police reform act and it will cost you £105 to get your bike/quad back, plus £12 each day its in the compound.

Signs are now in place around Irlam and Cadishead that give a warning that off road bikes, quad bikes and mini moto’s are prohibited. If you are stopped by a PCSO or Police Officer in these areas your bike/quad WILL be seized without further warning.

If you are stopped on a highway riding your off road bike, quad bike or mini moto you will be reported under sec 165 of the road traffic act. This will mean if you have no licence, insurance, tax, helmet then you will be reported for these offences and your bike/quad seized. You will have to provide valid insurance and it will cost £150 for the return of your bike/quad plus £20 each day in the compound unless you sign a disclaimer and the vehicle will be destroyed.

If you are suffering with the anti social behaviour these bikes and quads cause, contact your local neighbourhood officers and give as much details of the bike/quad and rider as possible including times and days that they are in the area.

Irlam Officers contact details

PC 3453 Dave Gillin                           covers Cadishead (from Irlam Rail station )

PCSO 61298 Paul Greenhalgh          covers Cadishead

PCSO 28803 Philip Elliott                   covers Cadishead

PC 11973 Tom Leyden                      covers Irlam

PCSO 61298 Mark Fitzgerald            covers Higher Irlam (from Irlam rail station  to Ferry Road)

PCSO 65109 Mark Huton                  covers Lower Irlam (Ferry Road East, including Moss Vale Estate)

 

Contact Telephone number  0161 856 5386 (irlam police station)
Answer phone facility if no reply, leave a message for the officers that cover your area and we will return your call.