THE SUMMER months bring out the garden thieves in force with more and more people falling victim.

Sheds and allotments are frequently targeted by criminals on the lookout for garden tools and furniture.

But there are ways to make it difficult for the opportunists with a variety of security products on the market.

Community safety officer at Altrincham, PC Tony Crompton tells SAM: "The value of stopping prowlers and burglars is immense but increased security does not mean that gardens need to resemble prisons.

"That is why I intend to offer some tips in the coming weeks that may allow green-fingered locals to sleep a little easier."

He goes on: "Thieves can come in many guises - the otherwise respectable elderly person who takes a few seedheads, to the opportunist stealing hanging baskets often found at a car boot sale.

"Some professional thieves have even been known to steal whole sites including turf, plants and ornaments and these are the ones that cause the most heartache.

"All culprits can be stopped though if people think about what they should to put in place and what risk level the garden is at."

PC Crompton adds that by fitting or taking measures that suit personal needs and affordability, then it can prove to be less expensive in the long run.

He says: "Fences, walls and railings should be at least six feet high and trellis boundaries should be topped with thorny plants to give extra security.

"Gates should be the same height and strength with wooden gates having padlocks and bolts and bright security lighting is worth considering.

"Gravel paths can also provide an early warning that someone is approaching and if tools and equipment are securely stowed away, there will be no prizes on offer for thieves.

"It can be a little extra outgoing but if it stops crime it has got to be worth it."

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