How to keep your Waterford home and garden protected as the days get lighter

The lighter spring days are a welcome relief following months of dark winter evenings, and many people will be gearing up to spend more time outdoors in Waterford.

This often means moving items such as garden furniture, gardening equipment and barbecues outside, plus children’s toys and bikes. As we move towards summer, people might be more likely to leave windows and sheds open too – and opportunistic thieves can be waiting to strike.

Here are some tips to help households protect their property over the warmer months…

1. Lock up

Secure access to your home and garden by closing and locking doors and windows at night or when out and about, and using internal bolts or padlocks on garden gates to make sure unwanted entry cannot be easily gained.

2. Tag it

Mark items with an ultra-violet pen to help trace them if stolen.

3. Lock items away

Put away tools and equipment that could be used to break into homes, and lock away items such as garden ornaments, furniture and bikes when they are not being used.

4. Hide items from sight

Avoid leaving spare keys to the home or outbuildings in obvious areas, such as under plant pots beside doors. Thieves can predict where they might be hidden, so don’t make it easier for them.

5. Watch out for shady behaviour

Remember that planting tall trees or shrubs around a garden gate can provide the perfect cover for thieves.

6. Garden cover

Make sure you have adequate home insurance, which also includes belongings in the garden, so if the worst does happen, you will be covered.