Source: Bexley Watch Viz
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It may not seem obvious, but protecting your garden and outbuildings like sheds not only keeps bikes, and other valuables safe, but can also stop burglars accessing tools to get into your home.
1. Low front boundary; keep hedges and walls at the front of your house low (under one metre) so burglars have nowhere to hide.
2. Secure side-gate, keep side gates locked at all times. Open gates mean burglars can easily access your home without being seen by passers-by or neighbours.
3. High side and rear boundaries with trellis and spiky defensive planting; keep hedges, walls and fences around your back garden high (over 1.8 metres). Add lightweight trellis to gates and fences and plant some prickly plants to make it harder for burglars to climb over.
4. Gravel driveway and path; gravel driveways and paths make it harder for burglars to go undetected.
5. Security light: install an outside security light so that intruders can’t approach without being seen.
6. Intruder alarm system; install a burglar alarm system.
7. Secure your shed; always keep your shed locked and secured, and make sure it is anchored down to prevent it from being lifted in order to gain access. Often sheds contain valuables such as power tools and bicycles.
8. Never leave tools lying around; never leave tools lying around as they can be used as a way of breaking into your home.
Stay secure in summer: Leaving ground floor windows, doors and patio doors open in the summer can give burglars the perfect opportunity. If you’re upstairs or out of the room, even just for a few minutes, close them and help shut burglars out.
Extra steps you can take: Consider buying a shed alarm. These are usually quite cheap but still effective. Add an extra layer of protection to shed windows with laminate sheets of film or internal metal grills.
Create a natural defence against burglary: Planting particular shrubs (in their mature or semi mature form) along garden walls and fences can make it harder for burglars to access your property or put them off completely. To maximise this effect, plant them close to each other.
We recommend planting any of the following: -
The latest data paints a stark picture: in 2024, a staggering £9.7 million was lost to ticket fraud, marking a nearly 50% increase from the £6.7 million reported in 2023. This significant rise is coupled with an 11% increase in the number of ticket fraud reports, with a total of 9,826 incidents recorded in 2024 compared to 8,719 the previous year.
These alarming statistics have prompted Action Fraud to launch a timely awareness campaign, urging the public to stay alert for criminals lurking online and on social media, ready to exploit the desire for tickets to sold-out events. Reporting insights highlight June and July as peak periods for ticket fraud, with 1,067 and 887 reports respectively last year.
Claire Webb, Acting Director of Action Fraud, stressed the importance of caution, stating: "With £9.7 million lost to ticket fraud last year, Action Fraud is urging people who are heading to the top events and those looking for last minute ticket deals this summer to stay vigilant and recognise the signs of ticket fraud."
She added a crucial warning about unsolicited offers: "Beware of fraudsters trying to take advantage by selling fake tickets to popular or sold-out events online or on social media, especially if you receive unsolicited or unexpected messages offering tickets."
Protect Yourself: Key Steps to Avoid Ticket Fraud
Action Fraud and the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR) have issued clear advice to help you stay safe and ensure your summer events are memorable for the right reasons:
Jonathan Brown, Chief Executive of STAR, echoed this advice: "Buying from a STAR member means you’re getting tickets from a trusted, authorised seller who follows our strict code of practice. It also gives you the added protection of access to our approved Alternative Dispute Resolution service, should anything go wrong."
He further emphasised the need for consumer awareness: "With another packed summer of gigs and festivals ahead, it’s vital that fans don’t let fraudsters cash in on the excitement. Scammers are getting smarter, but so can consumers. By following Action Fraud’s advice and sticking to safe, verified sources, you can make sure your ticket leads to the real experience - not a costly disappointment."
What to Do If You Suspect or Become a Victim of Fraud:
Don't let fraudsters ruin your summer plans. By staying vigilant and following these simple steps, you can protect yourself from ticket scams and ensure you have a fantastic and fraud-free summer of events!
Source: Action Fraud (14-04-2025)