Police issue anti-burglary advice after businesses and schools are targeted

Thieves have been targeting schools, businesses and commercial buildings in Maidenhead.

Tenpin Bowling Alley in Holmanleaze was burgled today while footwear was stolen from Hard Edge in Maidenhead High Street on Friday.

Police say there has been 24 ‘non-dwelling’ burglaries in Windsor and Maidenhead since August 27.

These include daytime and evening break-ins, with thieves illegally entering properties in a variety of ways.

Inspector Mike Darrah, from Maidenhead police station, said: “We would like to hear from anyone that may have been in the area at the time of these incidents and may have seen anything suspicious to please contact the police via the 101 number.

“I would also like to appeal to local businesses for their assistance, in identifying suspects by checking their CCTV systems.”

Police recommend the following steps to reduce the risk of your property being targeted:

• Make sure you securely lock all windows and doors
• Consider fitting security lighting and a burglar alarm
• Ensure CCTV systems are recording
• Ensure that any side entrance is secure, locked and not easy to climb over
• Consider using prickly plants as an effective way to deter someone trying to climb over your gate or fence to gain access to your garden
• Ensure there are no loose paving stones or bricks lying around in your property
• Improve natural surveillance trim high hedges
• Ensure you check your properties security, when leaving at the end of the day
• Securely lock all tools in a shed or garage and keep them out of sight, as these can be used by thieves to force entry into your property.
• Keep your shed in good condition
• Fit a closed shackle padlock to the door
• Fittings should be bolted through the door and any screws concealed
• It is easy to unscrew the ironmongery, steal contents and in some cases replace the screws to make it look as if the shed has not been tampered with
• By using tamper proof screws or coach bolts, together with a good quality pad bar or hasp and staple and close shackled padlock, the shed owner will make it harder for the would-be thief.
• Bond any window glass in with mastic to prevent easy removal. Fit grilles or mesh to windows to slow down the thief.
• Ensure all equipment and tools are locked away when not in use
• Install a shed alarm
• Post-code or mark all property such as lawnmowers, bikes, and tools using ultraviolet pens, forensic marking such as Selecta DNA, Smartwater or engravers.
• Install security lighting as a deterrent, and plants such as thorny shrubs to act as a barrier at potential access points
• If building a shed, put it where it is most visible to you and neighbours
• Ensure ladders are locked to a secure fixture in the shed or garage so they can’t be used to reach top floor windows
• Chain large items such as bicycles together, making it much more difficult for a thief to carry away
• Fit a wire cage inside the shed where more expensive items can be locked a