Residents are being asked to lock doors and consider fitting a security alarm.
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An increase in the number of garden shed burglaries has become a matter of concern for north London residents.
Multiple instances of burglars making off with pots, plants, and tools have prompted police to advise caution.
Thefts of plants and garden furniture, and break-ins of sheds and garages have increased steadily since easing of lockdown in April, according to Met Police.
Fears are mounting that there could be a domestic burglary resurgence incoming in 2021.
“Nobody in their right mind would come onto someone’s property and unearth a £3.50 plant, which I would have happily given them if they were that desperate. I had pots taken, including the pot container, during the middle of the day, and the middle of the night. Then recently, this person was coming in and removing – randomly – from my container, I had like four plants, they would only take the two middle ones…it’s creepy,” says Rowena Goldman, of Hornsey, who has been the target of plant theft on two occasions lately.
“Someone got someone on their front door camera…looking around checking no one saw, coming back and taking the next one. There’s no resale value as such to plants, I don’t quite know what they’re doing and why.”
Security measures
The South East and London account for over a quarter of all claims for garden shed theft, but have two of the lowest proportions of inhabitants with access to a garden shed or outhouse. Only 65% of people in the South East owning an outbuilding and 62% of Londoners.
Haringey police are advising local residents to be vigilant in light of new incidents.
“After a string of burglaries, I would advise residents to make sure you lock doors and windows and consider fitting a shed alarm or security light,” says PCSO Jeff Darby of Haringey police.
Multiple burglaries have been reported since the easing of lockdown restrictions in April. Credit: Haringey Crime Watch
Senior resident Pete Beresford, from Muswell Hill, recently had his shed broken into. Out of all the items they stole, including expensive tools, he says it was his plants that had sentimental value.
“Such big pots, you’d think it would make a load of noise stealing those. My favourite was an olive tree I only had for a couple years. I was looking forward to it having some fruit on it this year. There were some tomatoes taken, chilis, and a big yucca,” he says.
Anyone who sees suspicious activity is urged to contact the police on 101, or call 999 if they are witnessing a crime.
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HeadlineHaringey residents alarmed by increasing number of garden burglaries
Short HeadlineGarden burglaries alarm Haringey residents
StandfirstPolice advise caution as CCTV cameras capture burglars breaking into sheds and driving off with plants and garden tools.
An increase in the number of garden shed burglaries has become a matter of concern for north London residents.
Multiple instances of burglars making off with pots, plants, and tools have prompted police to advise caution.
Thefts of plants and garden furniture, and break-ins of sheds and garages have increased steadily since easing of lockdown in April, according to Met Police.
Fears are mounting that there could be a domestic burglary resurgence incoming in 2021.
“Nobody in their right mind would come onto someone’s property and unearth a £3.50 plant, which I would have happily given them if they were that desperate. I had pots taken, including the pot container, during the middle of the day, and the middle of the night. Then recently, this person was coming in and removing – randomly – from my container, I had like four plants, they would only take the two middle ones…it’s creepy,” says Rowena Goldman, of Hornsey, who has been the target of plant theft on two occasions lately.
“Someone got someone on their front door camera…looking around checking no one saw, coming back and taking the next one. There’s no resale value as such to plants, I don’t quite know what they’re doing and why.”
Security measures
The South East and London account for over a quarter of all claims for garden shed theft, but have two of the lowest proportions of inhabitants with access to a garden shed or outhouse. Only 65% of people in the South East owning an outbuilding and 62% of Londoners.
Haringey police are advising local residents to be vigilant in light of new incidents.
“After a string of burglaries, I would advise residents to make sure you lock doors and windows and consider fitting a shed alarm or security light,” says PCSO Jeff Darby of Haringey police.
Multiple burglaries have been reported since the easing of lockdown restrictions in April. Credit: Haringey Crime Watch
Senior resident Pete Beresford, from Muswell Hill, recently had his shed broken into. Out of all the items they stole, including expensive tools, he says it was his plants that had sentimental value.
“Such big pots, you’d think it would make a load of noise stealing those. My favourite was an olive tree I only had for a couple years. I was looking forward to it having some fruit on it this year. There were some tomatoes taken, chilis, and a big yucca,” he says.
Anyone who sees suspicious activity is urged to contact the police on 101, or call 999 if they are witnessing a crime.
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