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I wanted to provide you with an update regarding burglary, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey.
Detached garages fall into two categories - those located near the house, often set back from the road but well overlooked by surrounding houses and those located at the rear of the property accessed by a service road. The latter type is more likely to be an easier target due to them very often being out of sight, with trees and high hedging at the rear of gardens often making the situation worse.
If your garage is connected to the home, it may also have an internal door connecting it to your home - care needs to be taken over the type of internal door fitted between the home and garage though. A dual certificated door for both fire and security is required to ensure both safety and security. More information can be found on our Guidance and Standards page.
There are several things that can be done to improve the security of garages.
Secure Garage Doors
If you are installing a new garage door, consider replacing it with an accredited SBD product, these are now available as up and over, sectional or roller shutter options in a range of materials with thermal insulation.
The official police security initiative Secured by Design (SBD) have over 20 manufacturers of secure garage doorsets. One thing you can be assured of, if you choose a garage door from a company that is a member of SBD is that you are buying security and peace of mind.
When buying your new garage door, always ask for SBD accredited products as you can have confidence that they will give you a greater level of security because they have achieved Police Preferred Specification.
Locks
If you don’t want to change your garage door, consider fitting a garage door defender to prevent the door being lifted. Garage door defenders are easy to fit and provide a visible deterrent.
A Locksmith registered with the Master Locksmiths Association can provide expert advice on the best type of garage door security, as well as install any security products correctly.
Alarms
If you have a house alarm system, consider connecting the garage to the system, especially if it’s attached to the house. For further information about alarms please access the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) Security Systems Group website.
To view this information in full, head to https://www.securedbydesign.com/guidance/crime-prevention-advice/vehicle-crime/car-security/garage-security
While we will continue to pursue burglars in the area, there are steps you can do to help keep your property safe. Make sure that you: Double lock your door every time you leave the house If you can, move garden furniture or bins away from windows so that thieves cannot use them to gain access. Use laminated glass or security film on ground floor and accessible windows. Use a sash stop if you have sash windows to prevent people opening them enough to climb through. If your windows open outwards, use a key operated lock – check these are locked before leaving the house. Make sure all valuables are out of sight. Keep handbags and keys away from letterboxes or cat flaps. In the evening shut the curtains and leave lights on. Set your burglar alarm Lock your shed or garage Mark, register or record your valuables.
Please go to our website to find the latest advice and guidance on keeping yourself safe. If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.met.police.uk/, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. Get Involved Please consider getting involved and contribute to the local priority survey, we may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on. Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 
Please click here to complete the survey
We are working on our brand-new strategy for how we police London and we want your help. Our New Met for London: Phase 2 strategy will guide how we deliver on behalf of Londoners over the next three years, and we want to make sure you have had the chance to have your say. The consultation paper is available online, as well as a survey to let us know what you think. This closes on the 15 September. | 
