Play video

Comment | Read Comments (3)

Mick Gaines on a fact-finding trip to Alnwick Gardens, Northumberland

A FORMER York police officer and security expert has set up a website to combat thieves who steal from gardens.

Mick Gains, who spearheaded a raft of crime prevention initiatives across the county, hopes to come to the aid of his former colleagues by offering creative solutions to garden crime.

Mr Gains, who was responsible for the introduction of CCTV cameras in York, has now set up an online crime-busting company called Gardien Ltd, which is regarded by some as the UK's top garden crime advice website, featuring garden antiques specialist Bill Seddon and computer expert Keith Marsden.

The online launch comes after The Press told how police and community safety bosses are warning residents in York and North Yorkshire to be on their guard against shed burglaries and thefts from gardens ahead of lighter nights.

Mr Gains, who was awarded the Queens Police Medal for distinguished service and national contribution to crime prevention, said: "It is an all too familiar scenario which I have listened to and read about year on year from virtually every police force in the country.

"With climate change and an increasingly affluent society people are investing heavily in their gardens and they need to protect them.

"Unfortunately, there is an apathetic approach to both security and insurance cover for garden items. We can help.

"This website is unique in its content and format and is a real asset to gardeners, homeowners and crime prevention practitioners and is already proving hugely popular with enquiries coming from across the country."

The Association of British Insurers predicted one in seven gardens would be targeted by thieves in 2006, with gardeners facing a bill of £100 million thanks to thieves and vandals.

Mr Gains' website offers free crime prevention advice, specialist advice on security products including CCTV, perimeter protection, property marking and a range of crime prevention signs.

There are specific sections on retrieving stolen goods, valuation of property, and cataloguing along with dedicated insurance services.

A consultancy service is also available for clients with large gardens and discounts are available on most products for bulk orders from Neighbourhood Watch, gardening clubs, allotment associations and community gardens.

Have your say

5:29pm Friday 28th March 2008

Print

Email this

Comment