The trade association has issued a warning after three Midlands garden centres were targeted by thieves at the weekend.

It is currently unknown whether the three incidents are linked or whether it is the same "sophistcated gang of thieves" reported to be responsible for a spate of garden centre thefts in the Midlands area.

While police investigate, the HTA has issued a warning and encourages garden centres to be extra vigilant with their security measures.

The following is advice from HTA security adviser:
1. Cameras - Are all of your cameras working? Are the images clear?
Top Tip: Camera lenses get dirty over time (especially if they are situated in outside locations of your Garden Centre); regularly clean your lenses to improve the picture clarity.

2. Recording - Is the DVR (Digital Video Recorder) operating as it should be and recording images properly?

3. Play Back - Can you play footage back by time and date? If the play back image is not clear, then make an alteration to the camera settings. Make sure you test this often to ensure your image is always clear!

4. Copy - Check if you can copy the footage to a DVD or memory stick. In the event of an incident, the Police will require your CCTV footage. Also ensure you can play back the footage on your PC.

5. Night Images - Do you have external cameras at your Garden Centre? If so then is your CCTV System displaying clear and well lit images? You may need to add to or check your external lighting to guarantee that your cameras are working efficiently at night.
Top Tip: Garden Centres can be targeted by thieves at night. Test your cameras at night time to check the video play back is clear!

6. Signage - Ensure CCTV Warning Signage is clear to both your customers and staff advising CCTV is in operation.

7. Data Protection - Make sure you have registered your CCTV System with The ICO (Information Commissioners Office), for more information visit www.ico.gov.uk.

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