Over the past few weeks, multiple shed break-ins have been reported in the Petts Wood neighbourhood. People are being made aware of the ongoing issue that seems to have disturbed local residents but it appears not to be the first surge of burglary that has occurred in this small village.
It was brought to the attention of residents Clare and John Hawes, on returning from their family holiday, that their shed door hinges had been unscrewed. However, the two lawn mowers inside the shed remained untouched, luckily for the pair. John Hawes theorises “the burglars most likely took off as soon as the alarm began to sound.” Although, the alarm system was hidden inside the shed which was why it became a target for the crime initially. Whilst conferring with their neighbours in regard to the events, they too were targets but the perpetrators took a disinterest to the invaluable tools they kept in the particular shed targeted.
Much prior to these events, a larger scale burglary had been conducted in the house opposite the Hawes residence. The entirety of the house had been ransacked; technological devices of high value including a large TV along with multiple pieces of furniture were stolen. It was an extremely unfortunate event although there had been no active alarm system on the house.
It is widely encouraged that alarm systems are installed both on houses as well as sheds, however small the shed may be as it is the most effective way to warn off potential thief’s. It can be easy for burglars to get past complex lock systems as long as they have the correct tools at hand. Despite the Hawes’ shed having a lock, the burglars remained determined to fulfil their aim so targeted the hinges instead. “I always keep alarms on everything just to be safe” John Hawes informed me. The importance of the added protection an alarm can offer is vital, especially when the problem is truly in your own backyard!
Rachel Hawes, Newstead Wood School
