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    (Good Advice)

Thefts where Google Earth has been used to locate potential targets are on the increase.

Another spate of thefts across East Yorkshire indicates that thieves are using Google Earth to target properties where there are ponds.  Koi are not being stolen by opportunists who just happen to notice there is a Koi pond, the thieves are turning up fully prepared to steal Koi. When interviewed by the Police, a neighbour of one of the victims remembered having previously seen two young men with a bike and a large net.  The bike had a box on the back.

Another pond could not be seen from the road and so the thieves could only have seen it from above, either by hiring a helicopter to search for hidden ponds which is extremely unlikely, or by using Google Earth.

Not all ponds are obvious on Google Earth. Much depends on lighting conditions at the time the satellite photograph was taken. I had a look around at places where I knew there are ponds, some are just inconspicuous dark grey shapes, a few were much more visible.

It would be irresponsible, for obvious reasons, to show pictures of a real Koi pond so, as an example, the picture above shows a small ornamental pond in a public park. The pond is the small round dark shape in the centre of the picture. To judge the size, compare it with the car on the road to the right.

The pond is not very distinct because of poor lighting conditions unless you know what you are looking for, and these people do! Having spotted a likely pond, they can enter the garden, complete with equipment and have a closer look. If there is anything worth taking, they steal it, if not they move on to the next address on their list.

If you have had your pond for a few years, it will probably already have been photographed, and if you can spot it on Google Earth, all you can do is improve your security measures.  If your pond was built after the satellite photographs were taken then disguising it is a good suggestion so that when these photographs are updated in the future, it does not become obvious to potential thieves. Disguising a pond so that it cannot be seen from above is not easy but a pergola covered with mesh, bamboo or a solid roof will help to mask the giveaway signs of a pond in the garden.  Apart from making it less conspicuous to satellites, this will also help make it less obvious to herons.

A spokesperson for Google was dismissive and said that the search engine was just one provider of such satellite images.

They said: "Google Earth is built from information that is available worldwide from a wide range of both commercial and public sources.  As such, Google Earth creates no appreciable increase in security risks, given the wide commercial availability of high-resolution satellite and aerial imagery of every country in the world.  Criminals could use maps, phones and getaway cars but no one would argue that these technologies are responsible for the crime itself, that responsibility lies with the perpetrator."

With an attitude like that, we are on our own. Take care, lock up and, if possible, disguise your pond.

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The following advice from The Kent Key Link Scheme was originally intended as general advice for garden security, but many aspects of it are relevant to the security of ponds and pond equipment.

Obviously it is a good idea to photograph your Koi and to follow the advice below, but don’t think that your filtration equipment cannot be stolen too.  One of my swimming pool customers had his entire pool equipment stolen. The pipework was hacksawed and everything was taken, including the pump, heater and even the sand filter.  The sand filter weighed over 150kg, even after the water was tipped out!

Read the following and spend a few minutes considering what you have in your garden, and how it might be better protected.

From The Kent Key Link Scheme:

Garden / Shed crime.

There is a general increase in this type of crime at this time of year, with the usual outlet for stolen property being local boot fairs.

With lighter nights and the desire to be outside more, people start to enjoy new activities without the thought for the crime opportunities they are creating. Cycle theft is prevalent.  We ask that you ensure that you lock your bike when it is not being used even if it is in your shed or garage.  Also, have you considered having your bike marked with your post code?

In the Garden.

If someone can get into your garden easily without attracting suspicion, it gives them more time to steal from you.

Are your fences and gates in good repair?

Do you have security lighting? - Low energy dusk to dawn is environmentally friendly and cheap to run. (9 watt lighting to the front and 11 or 16 watt lighting for the side and rear).

Do you leave things outside all year (such as ornaments, furniture, tools) which could be removed easily or used to break into your house, shed or garage. Secure them or fill the pots with heavy gravel to prevent them from being carried.

Are there overgrown areas where someone could hide?  Cut it back so you can see what is going on. Gravel Paths and driveways can alert you to someone approaching so intruders will not be so keen. Prickly plants and trellis can provide protection from intruders.

Sheds and outbuildings.

Has your shed survived the winter without damage?  Don't delay - Fix it now!

Check what you keep in your shed.

Does your insurance cover the shed and garage and all the equipment that is stored there?

Is everything post coded?

Do you have a note of the serial numbers?

Have you photographed valuable items?

As sheds are not designed for safe storage - it would it be better to have a strong lockable box or cage inside your shed and preferably fixed to the floor.

Chain cycles, mowers, ladders and tools to a strong anchor point such as metal rings set in concrete

The last few simple tips to enjoy a crime free summer in your garden:

If you buy packaged items such as a new barbecue, garden equipment or garden furniture - DO NOT leave the discarded boxes out for the usual rubbish collection.  This advertises that you have a new product and that it is usually stored in the garden or shed.  Recycle the boxes and take them to the local tip!

Make sure you have a good quality strong / close shackle locks on your shed or garage.

A real favourite is theft of hanging baskets, these are very easily disposed of. Consider securing the hanging basket to the wall bracket with a small chain and padlock. This should not be visible when the flowers are in bloom.

We do hope you have found this article of some help.
The Kent Key Link team