POLICE are offering free crime deterrents after a spate of thefts from farms and allotments.
In recent weeks, there have been 20 incidents in the Spalding and Long Sutton areas.
These include allotment sheds in Low Fulney, where thieves stole fuel and tools.
Insp Stuart Hurst said: “I have an allotment so I know how frustrating it can be when sheds are broken into.
“These thieves are looking for fuel and tools to sell as metal.”
Free SmartWater kits and signs are available from police for farmers and allotment keepers.
Insp Hurst said: “We are keen to plug the kits as, so far, there has been little uptake.”
SmartWater has been used as a crime deterrent by police forces and industry since it was first invented in the 1990s. The liquid contains a code that can be read under a ultra-violet light and is intended to be applied to valuable items so that if stolen and later seized by police, their original owner can be identified.
Farmers and allotment keepers who would like a kit should call Spalding police on 101. Residents who have information about any of the thefts, or would like advice on security, should call the same number.
Top tips for protecting your property:
l If items are of high value do not keep them in the shed, keep them if possible in a secure garage
l Consider using security lights and/or a shed alarm
l Use a good quality padlocks
l Consider bolting larger items to the floor of the shed or chaining them together to make them awkward to move
l It is a good idea to security mark larger items, with a postcode for example. This makes it easier for officers to return goods to the rightful owner when they are recovered
l Locking shed bars are available from Lincolnshire for £35.