A friendly word of warning, but dont have nightmares

I have operated as a self employed gardener/property manager here in France for the last 9 years and this is the first occurrence of an incident of this nature, but I thought it would be prudent to highlight it to everyone.


It is normal practice for me to lock myself in to clients' gardens/houses when working, as this is best practice. On Tuesday I did this as usual. However whilst cutting the grass by the road outside a client's gates (and in full view of them) someone climbed over a low fence at the side of the property, went right around the rear and into the courtyard garden on the other side, where my car and trailer were parked and stole a €450 lawnmower which was still in the aforementioned trailer. At the time I was only 80 metres away from the car when this happened, had sight of the ront of my car and was next to the principle access route to the house. Needless to say I'm not exactly over the moon at this but would like to take this opportunity to remind you to not take security of your personal property for granted and to be vigilant


The local police have been informed, they were very helpful and visited the scene straight away. The mower was only 12 months old and in very good condition. It may appear on Leboncoin in the next few weeks.


I saw them in the lock wholesalers I use, sorry did I say saw, meant heard them, every locky who came in picked it off the counter and the staff were already bored with the loud noise they make. They are more common everywhere now but seem good as they can, like any padlock be fitted to just about anything in seconds.

Mind you on theft, I agree with Sharia law, having been the victim of a 3am raid on my van, they didn't know I had a silent remote alarm and were more surprised when I chased them up the road! Shame the MET were not interested though. We have ANPR cameras everywhere in south london so how many dark green volvo s40 estates are there driving around my location at 3am? should be like fishing in a barrel! At least you had a response from the local police, good luck with finding the mower.

Thanks John. I hadn't heard of these so will investigate. Going to have an alarm fitted to the 4x4 I use for work.

That's terrible Julian, just a thought, there are those alarm padlocks available now quick and easy to fit to just about anything but useful if the item is moved.