ESSEX police and Uttlesford Neighbourhood Watch (UNW) are warning residents to remain vigilant after an increase in shed burglaries.

Alan Johnson, chairman of UNW Steering group, said: “With over twenty shed and garage burglaries over the past two weeks, we felt that neighbourhood watch was well-placed to assist the police and public to reduce this crime.

“This is a problem that not only needs extra vigilance by neighbourhood watch members, but also needs home-owners to take positive action to make their sheds and garages more secure.

“One of the most effective measures is to install a simple, but loud, shed alarm and I’m pleased to say that we have now added one to the home security product range on our website.”

Peter Caulfield, crime reduction advisor (CRA) for Uttlesford, agrees that alarms are a good investment: “Bearing in mind that most of these burglaries occur at night, there is no doubt that an alarm should scare off potential burglars”.

The Neighbourhood Watch alarms can be programmed to activate on movement or by using a door contact, and with a volume of at least 130Db, a thief should find it virtually impossible to stay in a protected shed for more than a few seconds.

Many of the sheds and garages broken into had little or no security on them so CRA Caulfield has developed a “Ten Top Tips” factsheet to help residents make them more secure. The list is issued by email and if you would like a copy, simply send your request to peter.caulfield@essex.pnn.police.uk.

CRA Caulfield added, “I’m really grateful to Neighbourhood Watch for making the shed alarms so readily available. Hopefully they will have a real impact on this type of crime.”

If you would like one of the alarms, which are also suitable for boats and caravans, please visit the Neighbourhood Watch “Security Shop” at uttlesfordnhw.org.uk.