GARDEN security will be in the spotlight during a property marking day being staged by Kidderminster police at a superstore in the town next week.

The event will be held at The Range, Crossley Retail Park, on Wednesday, March 19 between 10am and 3pm, when PC Clive Llewellyn will attend, with local community support officers.

People are being asked to take along personal identification linked to their address, such as a utility bill, which will enable police to issue them with free thermal property marking labels.

They are specifically designed for high value electrical items, such as garden mowers and strimmers, but can be attached to any valuable property.

Crime reduction officer, PC Ian White, said the labels were difficult to remove and would help officers reunite items with their owners if they were recovered after theft, as well as deter thieves.

Police will also hand out crime prevention leaflets and advice at the event, focusing on garden and fencing security.

PC White said: "This is the time of year when people are opening up sheds and suddenly realising their mowers or other property has gone. The advice we are giving will help people protect outbuildings and their tools, which can be used to break into homes.

"In particular, we will be looking at the security of boundaries and the use of defensive planting, such as prickly bushes, to give added protection to vulnerable areas that may be targeted by thieves. "

Hints and Tips:

Have well positioned external lighting.

Protect boundaries with high fences and locked gates. Keep them in good condition.

Use defensive planting around vulnerable areas.

Keep sheds locked and in good condition. Fit mesh to windows and an alarm.

Lock ladders to a secure fixture so they cannot be used to break into your house.

Do not leave ladders and tools lying around in your garden as they could be used to break into your home.

Mark valuables with your postcode or with SmartWater.

Check household insurance policies cover garden and shed equipment.

For more information on keeping gardens secure, visit the West Mercia Constabulary website, at www.westmercia.police.uk. Information can be found under the Crime Prevention section in Home Security.