Attempted Burglary – The Grove, Sidcup
On Wednesday 25 February 2026 at approximately 21:15 hrs, an attempted burglary was reported on The Grove, Sidcup.
The informant observed two unknown males standing at the front door of her neighbour's property in circumstances she considered suspicious. When the informant approached the males to ask what they were doing, one of the males became verbally abusive. Feeling uncomfortable and concerned, she contacted the police.
Officers attended the location; however, both males had left the area prior to their arrival. Following checks at the property, it was established that no entry had been gained and there was no apparent damage.
Burglary – Glenhurst Avenue, Bexley
On Saturday 21 February 2026, a burglary occurred at a residential property on Glenhurst Avenue, Bexley.
The occupier left the address at approximately 16:00 hrs. Upon returning at roughly 18:00 hrs, the occupier experienced difficulty gaining entry through the front door. Once inside, they discovered the living room had been searched and items were missing. All upstairs rooms had also been searched, and it was discovered that a safe containing currency and personal items had been removed.
CCTV obtained from a neighbouring property showed a blue/black BMW parked on the victim's driveway with two suspects inside. Further footage showed two suspects exiting the property via an upstairs window, climbing onto the garage roof while carrying the safe. All suspects then fled the scene in the BMW.
Garage and Shed Security: Don’t Provide the Tools for Your Own Burglary
Whilst most houses have adequate security, the shed or garage is often neglected. You might think there is "nothing much in there" besides a garden spade or fork, but these are perfect tools for a burglar to use to break into your house. It adds insult to injury when the tool used to force entry into your home is your own.
By the nature of their construction and position—especially when away from the main house—garages and sheds are inherently vulnerable. Often, the supplied locks provide only the barest minimum security and are easily overcome.
Strengthening Your Outbuildings:
Supplement Existing Locks: Always consider adding further locking systems to both the doors and the items within.
Garage Doors: Add locking bolts to both sides of an "up and over" door, or install a garage door defender in the ground in front of the door. If you have a side door, ensure its security is equally robust.
Shed Fittings: Use coach-bolts and plates to secure padlock hasp sections to the frame and door. Use a good quality "Close Shackle" padlock or a key-operated mortice lock. Don't forget the hinges; ensure they cannot be unscrewed.
Secure Larger Items: Use "Ground Anchors" or "Shed Shackles" to chain ladders, mowers, and cycles. Use a high-quality padlock and keep chains tight so they cannot be easily struck against a hard surface.
Window Protection: Protect windows with wire mesh and use curtains or whitewash to prevent prying eyes from seeing what is inside.
Marking and Monitoring:
Security Marking: Visibly mark your property with your postcode and house number. This reduces its resale value to a thief.
Registration: You can register serial numbers free of charge at
www.immobilise.com Alarms & Lighting: Consider adding security lighting and a shed alarm. There are many inexpensive alarms available from DIY stores that can even call your mobile phone when activated.
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