Securing a shed or outbuilding takes a little work but could well protect your stuff from thieves. Archive mage by Ian Myatt.

It’s time, I’m very much afraid, to issue another warning – it seems local burglars are at it again – In the last few weeks there have been a number of break-ins to sheds and outbuildings in the Brownhills and Walsall Wood areas in particular, including last week’s astonishing raid on the garage in the Short Street area of Brownhills.

This report was sent to me from Paula Pallatina via Facebook and deserves wider exposure:

WARNING… To people in Ogley Road and surrounding areas.

Mother in law’s sheds were broken into last night (Tuesday, 29th August 2017).

The metal gate was forced to gain entry to the back garden and the one shed was emptied totally of all its garden tools. Lawn mower, etc… everything.

So be vigilant.

Sorry to Paula and her mother in law for their loss: What an awful thing to happen. There’s every chance it’s the same crew in action from last week.

Please ensure you lock all your outbuildings, and secure your premises as best you can. Don’t leave valuables on view in cars, and make sure anything that could be used in a burglary – ladders, garden tools etc. – is securely stowed away.

There are some good security tips for sheds and outbuildings at this page here.

If you’re offered cheap tools, car stereo equipment or gardening kit, think hard about where it might have come from, and by all means grub the people flogging them into the rozzers – the stuff is probably nicked. Next time, it could be your stuff they take.

Anyone with information on the recent spate of thefts is urged to contact West Midlands Police by dialling 101 or you can speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.