Police investigating reports of outbuildings being targeted by burglars are urging people to review their security.
Four reports of similar burglaries, which took place in the Ashford district between the evening of Sunday 25 September 2022 and the following morning, were received by Kent Police.
Two strimmers and two breakers were stolen from a barn in Wittersham; a quad bike was stolen from a barn in Pluckley Road, Little Chart; items including a hose reel and sanitiser were stolen from a barn in Smarden and damage was caused to a caravan on the same site. A cement mixer was reported stolen from a barn in Bethersden.
Inspector Simon Johnson of Ashford Community Safety Unit said: ‘In all reports, locks and doors have been damaged to access the outbuildings.
‘Anyone with information regarding any of the burglaries should call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/187579/22.
‘As the evenings get darker, now is the time to consider what security measures you can introduce to protect your property.
‘Consider installing measures, such as security lighting, CCTV and doorbell cameras and ensure if you have shed alarms that they work and are activated.’
Don’t be a victim
Use forensic marking kits on possessions. These are traceable liquids which carry a unique forensic code, registered to an address or location. They are known to be deterrent to thieves and can help us identify suspects.
Use close shackle padlocks and make sure all gates are closed and locked from the inside.
Disable lawn mowers and other large machinery when not in use and chain items together or to a solid anchor point.
Take photographs and record details such as serial numbers and identifying marks as these can also help to identify items if they get lost or stolen.