Good morning

In light of the recent break-ins of the beach huts in Littlestone, I thought I'd give some general security advice on securing these vulnerable properties but at the same time not teaching anyone how to suck eggs!

I've mentioned CCTV and security lights on numerous MCV posts previously but of course with these buildings that aren't attached to a power source it means that the lack of a conventional power supply and internet access (for CCTV) makes having these security devices more difficult to achieve.

As I'm sure you are already aware, there are lots of different security lights on the market that work without the need for a power supply, for example solar power where you can position the small solar panel so that it uses the natural daylight to store power ready for use at night-time and battery powered lights, these are relatively inexpensive and are simple to install and use. Nowadays the technology is so good that the actual lights can emit a very bright light which is more than adequate to light up the immediate area of your beach hut, shed, garage or other building that is a ‘stand-alone’ property and would help to deter thieves.

Moving on to CCTV, again you can get CCTV cameras that work off of stored solar power or batteries that can be rechargeable and with regards to not having them connected to the internet, some of the cameras can connect to the 4 or 5g network exactly the same as mobile phones do. Having CCTV, whether you have a camera on the exterior and perhaps one inside is up to you and obviously for buildings like beach huts that are in public areas and near to the beach, you have to be mindful of what area the camera covers but I'd suggest a CCTV warning sign even if you just have a camera inside that might capture the burglar's face!

**For information and guidance regarding CCTV covering public areas, you can look at the 'Information Commissioner's Office' website**

Likewise with a burglar alarm that's connected to your home's power supply, there are alarms on the market that don't need a power supply and at the very least would emit an audible alarm, this would not only bring attention to the area but wouldn't be bearable for too long for that ‘would be’ burglar and might just prevent them from stealing items within.

In conjunction with the different type of locks that you can use to secure the doors with, you're helping to make your stand-alone building as secure as you possibly can.

Thank you.

Steve.