ANOTHER householder is counting the cost after their garden shed was broken into.

On this occasion the resident thought the shed was safe as it was padlocked, but it wasn’t strong enough and equipment worth £150 was stolen.

It happened at a property in Barskimming Road, Mauchline, with the owner discovering the break-in at 8am on May 5.

A red and black Sovereign petrol lawnmower was taken by the thief and PC Marshall at Cumnock police station has appealed for public assistance.

Meanwhile, as we move towards the summer months his colleague, safer communities officer Craig Marshall, is urging people to review the security of their garden shed.

He said: “By taking a few simple precautions you can reduce the opportunities for thieves to steal from your shed. There are four vital things to remember.”

Visibility: Try to position your shed so you can clearly see the door and window of your shed while you are still within your home. You could also consider the use of PIR security lighting as a deterrent and to alert you to anyone within your garden

Locks: A good quality padlock/hasp or mortice lock on the door of your shed will help improve security, make sure that the screws for the hasp are not accessible or use security screws. Make sure that whatever you attach the locks to is suitable and strong enough to hold the fixtures and ensure your hinges cannot easily be removed.

Windows: Don’t advertise the items you are storing in the shed. Use a screen or curtains to prevent someone being able to look in and consider laminated sheeting or Perspex to improve security.

Alarms: Audio only alarms are a very cost effective way of improving security to your shed. If you already have a house alarm it may also be possible to extend it to cover your shed.

Craig Marshall added: “For more advice on how to secure your garden shed contact your local safer communities officer on 101 or visit the Police Scotland website and access the section ‘keep your gardens and outbuildings safe’.