Nick Butler’s guest column: People need to remain vigilant

When I go out I try to keep my eyes and ears open as much as possible. Maybe it’s because of the job I do but I watch out for anything unusual, cars passing too slowly down a road, people hanging around near houses or gardens. The sorts of things that, in the good old days, would get the net curtains twitching.

I’d encourage you all to do the same – keep an eye on what’s going on in your community and keep us informed if there is anything that concerns you.

How many of you used the Easter holidays to do some home improvement?

It’s often the time for the DIY that we’ve been putting off all year – me included. But what could be worse than thieves spoiling your plans by stealing your tools and equipment?

Imagine this. You finally have the chance to give that neglected room a facelift. You buy new tools to complete the job, and keep them in your unlocked shed. You take the chance because you think it’ll be ok just this once right? That is where you could be wrong.

Shed security has become a problem in our area recently, but it might surprise you to find out that beating shed thieves doesn’t have to break the bank.

You could start by marking all tools and equipment with a marker pen so that they display your name, which will make it harder for thieves to sell them on.

Or perhaps you could fit a shed alarm? For a small amount of money you could save the expense of having to replace all your belongings. I am sure that you will agree that this is worth the cost.

Failing to secure your property will only give burglars an invitation to commit daylight robbery, in more ways than one.

You might think, ‘I’m at home, what does it matter if the doors are unlocked?’ But thinking like this could ruin your plans.

On Monday 7 April 2014, valuables and electrical equipment were stolen from a house in Occupation Road while the owners were at home. I can tell you that an unlocked door allowed thieves access to the home, and I am sure that you do not want to become the next victim. Is it really worth taking the risk just because it’s light outside and you think that thieves wouldn’t take the chance? If you see anything suspicious you can call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Or you can follow me on twitter for the latest updates on policing in your area on @HucknallCops