Police are advising anyone with a shed or outbuilding in the Aberdeen area to be vigilant. We have seen several sheds targeted in recent weeks with tools, bikes and alcohol being stolen.
North East Division Crime Reduction Officer, PC Irvine said ‘We advise everyone to look at their buildings through the eyes of a thief. Start by looking at the grounds of their property and think about lighting and fencing. Are there any loose objects lying about which could be used by the thieves to help force entry to the premises? CCTV is a useful tool, but it must be remembered that CCTV on its own is not a deterrent to criminality and should always be combined with appropriate physical security.’
Ensure all external doors are of solid construction with suitable locks or a closed shackle padlock fitted.
Consider using a property marking product such as SelectaDNA. This makes tools less attractive to thieves as they are harder to sell and more likely to be returned to the rightful owner if they are recovered by the Police. This combined with visible signage will help deter potential criminals.
Many companies provide free tool registers, via smartphone apps, which help remove the market for stolen goods. This is also a good method of retaining all the tool details such as model and serial number as well as photographs.
If bicycles are kept in the shed or garage they should be locked, preferably to the structure of the building ground or wall anchor if possible with good quality chains and padlocks. Register bikes online with Bike Register.
Hide the contents from view using protective grills or covers on windows if appropriate and ensure property is locked away at night or when not in use, not only to prevent them being stolen, but to prevent them being utilised to gain further access or potentially cause damage.
Comprehensive crime prevention advice can be obtained from your local policing team by telephoning 101 or contacting your local Crime Prevention Officer by emailing: NorthEastCrimeReduction@Scotland.police.uk
Anyone with information can contact the Police on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 0819 of 10/02/2025.
This messaging system is not for reporting crime as responses are not monitored 24/7. If you have time-critical information regarding the content of the above message, or if you wish to report any other non-urgent matter, please call 101. In an emergency, call 999.
Police Scotland’s North East Division covers rural and urban areas in Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City. The division has five territorial command areas which have their own dedicated Area Commander, who is responsible for the daily policing function. Each command area is served by a number of community policing teams whose activities are built around the needs of the local community. These teams respond to local calls and look for long term solutions to key issues. They are assisted by the division’s Crime Reduction Unit who deliver against Force and local priorities in a number of areas, including physical and social crime prevention, supporting and enhancing community engagement and creating and sustaining strong and effective partnership working.
