What to do if your parcel does not arrive

The Asgard Parcel Delivery box has been designed to accept mail and parcels when you are not around, so they don’t go back to the depot and get lost or get left by the front door at the mercy of the elements.

We have scoured the internet and found some independent advice for those of you who don’t have an Asgard Parcel Delivery Box and find their parcel did not get delivered, was returned to the depot and then lost!

 Extract  from hellmail.co.uk

 Royal Mail Obligations

“Firstly, there is no 100% guarantee that any mail you send will arrive intact and on time, nor in fact does Royal Mail guarantee this. Assuming otherwise will not help your case. Mail sent outside the UK has the potential for all kinds of delays, much of which is outside the control of Royal Mail so lets look at Inland Mail.

Royal Mail aims to deliver 92.5% of Inland mail the day after it is posted although this figure is likely to be revised by the regulator and Royal Mail has on occasions fallen short of this in some areas. To put this in context, Royal Mail has paid out tens of millions of pounds in compensation for late mail. The enforced compensation scheme was introduced in 2003 and in 2008, the expectations of customers in terms of customer service were also beefed-up to reflect the abolition of Postwatch. However, you cannot make direct comparisons to statutory laws which apply to the ‘sale of goods’ which is why we have produced this guide! Royal Mail is required to comply with the Postal Services Act and this is very different from the usual consumer laws. There is no ‘contract’ between you and Royal Mail – understand this from the outset. You will not be able to jump any hoops or bypass Royal Mail’s rulebook other than where a dispute is unresolved and the matter is escalated. Even so, you could still find you get the same answer from someone further up the chain. Royal Mail’s compensatory scheme is extremely rigid. They rarely if ever bend the rules.

That said, there are certain obligations placed on Royal Mail including ‘Quality Of Service’ under the conditions of the licence that PostComm grants to Royal Mail

When Is Mail Late Or Lost?

Ok, no one here wants to get too bogged down with statistics so lets assume then that a good proportion of mail will arrive at its final inland destination the following day. If an item is more than four days late it is regarded as ‘late mail’, after 15 WORKING days it is regarded as ‘lost mail’ (If reported that is). As reader John Fisher pointed out to us, those 15 days can actually amount to 22 days if you include weekends, so factor this in when lodging a complaint.

Minimising ‘Lost Mail’ – The Sender

You can avoid this to some extent by considering the way you package items. Royal Mail will tell you that they still get badly addressed mail and have a whole unit in Ireland devoted to just this.

What you don’t need is a delay whilst a post worker works out where it is actually meant to be going. Postcodes are essential and in fact the Royal Mail only need a house number and a postcode to delivery correctly but the complete address helps your local Postie find the address.

Postal workers are frequently switched from one round (or walk) to another these days so a clear address is important. An item may go through the sorting offices with a postcode but its a bit much expecting your Postie to have to refer to charts just to find you. Put the name, the full address and postcode on the item in ink that won’t wash off in a mild shower or come adrift through not affixing the label correctly. Birthday cards (and people still send them with money, or gift vouchers inside) might be better sent inside a larger brown envelope for instance”.

The full article can be found at http://www.hellmail.co.uk/royal_mail_compensation.asp this should give any of you out there some guidance of your rights.

Garden thefts rise by 25pc as evenings get lighter

Garden thefts rise by 25pc as evenings get lighter

“Green-fingered home owners are being warned to secure their sheds and garages as the lighter evenings mean a spike in garden theft.

Householders should ensure sheds and summerhouses are properly secured and gardens are cleared each evening reducing temptation for criminals.

Green-fingered home owners are being warned to secure their sheds and garages as the lighter evenings mean a spike in garden theft.

 

stop-garden-crime with garden security

 

 

Analysis of ten years of claims data from Aviva has shown that thefts from gardens and outbuildings shoot up by over a quarter when the clocks go forward at the end of March – with the average haul totalling around £850.

Figures show that thefts from outside the home start to increase as evenings get lighter at the beginning of March with a 10pc increase compared to the dark nights of January.

Claims then steadily increase as the days get longer and lighter until they reach their peak in July and August when they are almost 40pc higher than at the beginning of the year.

Peter Ketteringham, household underwriting manager at Aviva, said: “Extra hours of sunlight are obviously very welcome after months of darkness, but it also means that your expensive power tools, bikes and golf clubs are more visible than ever to a passing thief, as is your home security – or lack of it.”

Mr Ketteringham said householders should ensure sheds and summerhouses are properly secured and gardens are cleared each evening reducing temptation for criminals.

“Bear in mind that loose items like ladders and wheelie bins are perfect for burglars to use to get into your home, so shut them away, out of sight if you can,” he said.

Most home insurance policies already have garden cover included, but households must consider the level of cover provided to make sure they are not underinsured.

When considering how much protection is required, bear in mind costly appliances such as patio heaters, barbecues and lawnmowers which may be stored in the shed. Those who keep items such as bikes or gym equipment in their outdoor sheds will also require cover, so it’s important to keep these as secure as possible to ensure your insurance remains valid”.

Information from the telegraph newspaper

Storing your garden tools safely this summer

As we all know, acquiring all of our fancy gardening tools and equipment can be very expensive. So just imagine how you would feel, if someone came along and decided to help themselves. Not very happy I can imagine. Shed and garden theft isn’t a new phenomenon, however people think ‘it won’t happen to me’, unfortunately this is a crime which is on the rise all over the country.

In June, Blenau Gwent an area in wales had 23 garages and sheds burgled in just one month and of those 7 were said to be insecure or without sufficient security.  The crime and disorder reduction officer for the area, PC Paul Whittaker stated “It shows no sign of stopping despite attempts to tackle the problem. Power tools, gardening equipment and bikes appear to be the main target for thieves”.  Read more on this story>

In the same month, across Bath 22 garages and sheds were broken into and raided.  It’s not only homes that are the targets of these types of thefts, schools have become vulnerable too. Schools in Stamford and Worcester have also been affected by a number of shed burglaries, with playground toys and tools being taken.

As these items are kept outside, they are more susceptible to theft. Local police are reinforcing to communities the importance of keeping tools locked away securely and help them to keep these thieves at bay. In Somerset police are embarking on the  sheducation of the general public, offering advice on shed theft as well as cycle and car theft. A portable display will visit supermarkets and events during the summer, a time when shed thefts normally rise.

What can you do to prevent shed crime?

  • Check that thieves cannot gain entry simply by removing boards from the sheds sides or rear. Alternative to a wooden shed, a metal shed is a great investment and has a much higher level of security than its wooden counterpart. As secure metal shed is a great deterrent to thieves. A wide range of high security and insurance approved metal security sheds and metal garages are available on the market.
  • A good lock is the key to keeping pesky burglars out. Make sure your shed is always locked when not in use.
  • Sheds with padlocks, will always be more vulnerable as they are easy to remove. A shed with an internal locking system will always be more secure than a padlock.
  • Fit an alarm. Shed alarms are relatively inexpensive, easy to install and can be battery operated or mains powered.
  • Opt for a shed without any windows. If you can see what’s inside, so can a thief.
Metal Security Shed from Asgard

For the best in garden security visit Asgard, with a wide range of tough, all metal security sheds in a variety of sizes available, burglars won’t stand a chance.

Information from This is bath, News Wales, Worcester news and Stamford Mercury

Wheres my parcel? I’ve missed it…….. again!

With more and more people choosing to shop online, or not having the time to visit the local high street to do their shopping, regular home delivery is becoming a normality in a growing number of homes. Although it is convenient at the time of purchase, being home to receive a parcel delivery box can be rather tricky. Repeatedly missing the delivery of your parcel can quickly make the process an inconvenience. If your parcel box doesn’t get wet because its been left out in the rain, it gets taken to your neighbours the ones you avoid speaking to, or you have the hassle of collecting your parcel from the post office.

 If your really unlucky the delivery company may even leave your parcel box outside        for all to see and it gets stolen, all because you weren’t home for the delivery of your parcel. What happened to home delivery being a simple solution to a busy lifestyle? Instead it can create added stress to something you thought was going to be straightforward. Missing a home delivery can be particularly problematic if your parcel is urgent, that pair of shoes you ordered especially for tonight or the gift you purchased for your mothers birthday. Meaning you spend more money and time trawling the high street, for something similar to what you have already purchased and when your parcel is finally delivered to your home you won’t even need it. Online retailers have tried to help shoppers by offering home delivery with a time slot that is suitable for the customer, but this comes with a hefty price tag that can soon mount up if used on a regular basis. So what can you do to ensure your parcel is delivered to your home when you are there, or is waiting at home when you arrive?

Having a designated area for your parcels to be delivered to outside your home when you aren’t there, that is safe from the elements and thieves would put an end to anyone’s parcel delivery nightmare! Asgard secure storage have a range of home parcel delivery boxes, designed to do just that.

 

These parcel delivery boxes take the stress out of home delivery,  “I collect stamps and often order online. After repeated issues with the post office and couriers leaving packages in the rain I decided a box would be the answer. So far 7 orders have been delivered and have remained dry and in perfect condition”. section of online review

To see the full range or home delivery parcel boxes visit Asgard Secure Storage

Choosing a base for an Asgard shed

Building a base for an Asgard Shed can be tricky if you have never installed a shed before – which is why we asked John from Secrets of Shed Building.com  – an expert in Shed building to give his advice on choosing a base for an Agsard Shed.

A bit of research in to types of shed base will throw up options made from timber, plastic, concrete, paving slabs and building blocks just for a start. In this article I hope to explain which types of shed base best complement the construction type of the Asgard shed with its heavy all steel construction and integral floor.

The starting point for any shed foundation is that surface should be flat, level and not subject to movement. Firstly, if you try to put together any precision made product such as an Asgard shed on an uneven or un-level surface you will soon experience problems with holes not lining up and doors not closing properly. Secondly, if the base is not rigid the ground beneath will move differentially over time and you will experience problems getting the doors to close.   Finally it should have the facility that the shed can be anchored down to resist high winds and also to prevent the shed being moved by unwanted visitors.

concrete shed base

The shed base should be firm and level.

The slim built-in floor of the Asgard shed means the shed base can be built so that the floor is as close as possible to ground level which is great for getting things such as mowers and bikes in and out of the shed. The floor construction leads to two preferable types of foundation: 

i) An existing purpose-built patio is great if it is both dry and level and it is possible to anchor the shed down if necessary,  traditional paving slabs are better than a block paved patio for this. 

ii) If your patio is not suitable or you are going to be building your Asgard shed on an otherwise unpaved area then a concrete shed base is the best answer.

 A concrete shed base is about as durable a foundation material as exists.  For small sheds a 50mm thick base is sufficient.  However for my money if you are going to the trouble of setting up to build a concrete shed base you should aim for minimum of 100 mm and include a light steel reinforcement mesh. Ask at a builders merchant for a mesh type A98 which has 5mm bars at 200 mm centres in both directions which will reduce the possibility of cracking and the base twisting.

building a shed base

building a shed base

Include a PVC damp proof membrane beneath the shed base which will prevent most moisture from the ground getting in under the shed.  The Asgard shed base/floor itself is damp proof and ventilated so that whatever is stored is protected from moisture in the ground however in my construction experience the more steps you take to reduce damp in a structure the longer it will last.  The metal base/floor of an Asgard shed is steel plated, primed and powder coated which gives a high degree of corrosion protection for something in contact with the damp ground.

An Asgard shed is one of the heaviest and best quality on the market and so their self weight and goods stored within them often mean that anchoring the base is not required for sheltered locations.  However if the shed or store is in an exposed location or public place there are holes in the base for using expanding or resin anchors to fix to the reinforced concrete base.

Details of building a concrete shed base and a paving slab shed base are found at Secrets -of- shed-building.com.

Click to see the full range of sheds from Asgard as well as information on the installing the shed.

Theft from shed prompts police warning for increased Garden Security

EQUIPMENT has been stolen from a garden shed in Chalfont St Peter, prompting police to warn residents about the importance of home security.  Some time between Tuesday and Thursday last week, thieves entered the garden of a home in Layters Close, broke a window in the shed and stole items including chainsaws and tree cutting equipment.

Is your shed tough enough to prevent breakins and theft?

Is your shed tough enough to prevent breakins and theft?

 

PC Roy Evans, of Amersham police station, said: “I am appealing for anyone who has any information about the burglary to come forward.  I am particularly keen to hear from anyone that was in the area and saw the offenders carrying the equipment, or any local dog walkers that may have seen the offenders in the field behind the address.”

Police say that as the darker evenings draw in, it is now the ideal to time to look at home security.  A spokesman said: “If no light is on in your home, curtains are not drawn, and no car is in the drive, it’s an obvious sign to an opportunist burglar that nobody is at home.  At this time of year it pays to secure your home. There are a number of simple and free ways to do this, all of which will help reduce the chance of your home becoming a target.”

Police recommend making sure all doors and windows are locked, as well as buying a timer to turn on electrical equipment to give the impression that someone is home.  They also say that it is important to insure all valuables in case of burglaries.

If you have any information on the theft in Chalfont St Peter, call police on 0845 8 505 505, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

(Article Source: The Chalfont St Peter News)

Increase your garden security with a secure metal shed.

 

If your old garden shed isn’t tough enough to prevent a possible break-in or theft, it’s time to upgrade to a metal shed – such as the Vangard Metal Garden Shed from Asgard.  This sturdy little shed is made from galvanized steel panels, and has an integral floor and a unique looking mechanism – all of which can withstand break-in attempts and thefts.

The all-metal Vangard shed from Asgard

The all-metal Vangard shed from Asgard provides excellent garden security

 For more information on the Vangard metal shed, as well as the full range of secure metal garden sheds, visit the Asgard metal storage range here.

Garden Security – How to thief–proof your Garden Sheds and Outbuildings

Garden sheds and outbuildings are the ideal place to store any large bulky tools, equipment and furniture that isn’t being used but takes up space inside the house.  However, whilst your house may have several locks and alarm systems to protect your property from theft – can the same be said for your Garden shed? 

 

is your wooden garden shed secure?

How secure is your garden shed?

 

If the items in your shed or garage are being protected from theft by a rusty old padlock – its time to thief-proof your shed!  To help you update your security, see the Safer NPT South Wales Police Dept top tips on garden security below.  

Top Garden Security tips

  • Ensure all outbuildings are in a good state of repair, capable of withstanding attack. If not remove all valuable property until the garden shed/Garage has been secured.
  • If you have a wooden shed – fit at least 2 substantial security padlocks to your shed door at equal spacing.  Remember – Hasps staples and hinges should be secured with coach bolts and backing plates.
  • Windows are an easy target – At the very least opening windows should have solid locks fitted. Ideally internal grills fitted to steel plates should protect windows. Consider using net curtains to deter casual viewing.
  • Use an Alarm – battery operated alarms may act as a deterrent. If you have a house alarm you could have it upgraded to include your shed or garage. If the garage is an integral part of the house, make sure the alarm conforms to BS 4737.
  • Make sure your insurance covers the shed and garage and all the equipment you store in there.
  • Never leave any items unattended in your garden – they may not be there when you return!
  • Ensure everything is post-coded so it can be identified if it is stolen. Most items can be post-coded through a variety of methods: marked with indelible ink, UV marker pen, etched, branded or stencilled. Note all model and serial numbers of any marked property.
  • Wooden sheds are not designed for safe storage of expensive items, so consider chaining valuable items to a strong anchor point, or invest in a study metal shed – like the Gladiator Metal Shed from Asgard.

    The Asgard Gladiator Shed provides maximum garden security.

    The Asgard Gladiator Shed provides maximum garden security.

This heavy duty large garden shed is made with galvanised steel panels and fitted with a unique 5 point locking system which protects all your large, bulky and valuable items offering unrivalled garden security.

To see a range of secure metal garden sheds and outbuilding available from Asgard, visit the metal garden shed page here.

Growth in garden thefts in the UK

More than a million gardens are raided every year in the UK in what police are referring to as an epidemic.  

The very latest in microchip technology is being used in the battle against criminals who steal from among the plants and shrubs.  Microchips embedded in trees and plants are thought to be the high-tech answer to a problem which insurers say many dismiss too easily.

Wooden Sheds are easily broken into

Wooden Sheds are easily broken into

 Rare plants, garden gnomes, and even entire ponds complete with fish and fountains are taken. For victim Elisabeth Ruiz it was not just the loss of two expensive bicycles from the shed that hit home. She says it was the invasion of privacy:

“To feel that people could get into the garden so easily. I must say I then realised how vulnerable we are.”

Insurers believe most people pay little regard to the security of the area surrounding their house, even if they are careful about the building itself.

Anne Somers, from Abbey National Home Insurance, says the company has seen claims for garden theft more than double in the last two years. She believes people are not aware of the value of what they have in the garden. “Once you get outside you think, ‘oh well it’s only a spade or a statue. No-one will bother to take it’.”   

But anyone with such an attitude is clearly wrong. Ten garden sheds a day are being broken into, with £12,000 worth of garden gnomes alone likely to be abducted this year.  There are more spectacular thefts too, with hedges, lawns, and ponds taken away.   It is all a reflection of what is a booming hobby and business – worth £2.5bn a year in the UK.

So it is no surprise to learn that ever more ingenious anti-theft methods are being used. Martin Unwin’s firm called Bon-Tag, is fitting electronic security tags to bonsai trees. Each one has a unique serial number when scanned. Mr Unwin says people are very protective of their bonsais.

“They are irreplaceable to the people because they are like their children – they have created them over a period of time.  They give a lot of time and effort and materials and there’s a great sense of loss.”

(Article Source – BBC News)   

Upgrade your shed with the Asgard High Security Shed

The Asgard high security ‘Classic’ garden shed is an exceptionally secure and versatile storage unit, giving you a secure alternative to the traditional wooden shed. With attractive styling and excellent build quality this shed looks good anywhere, providing secure storage year after year 

The Asgard High Security Shed

The Asgard High Security Shed offers you better protection compared to a wooden shed.

 For more information on High Security Metal Garden Sheds, see the Asgard high security storage range here.

Shed owners warned wire on windows could hurt burglars

Police have told residents to stop putting wire mesh on their garden shed windows – because they could be sued if a burglar is injured.  A spate of thefts in several towns and villages in Kent and Surrey over the past few months led to many householders taking action to protect their property.

 
Some have been warned by police that using wire mesh to reinforce shed windows was ”dangerous’’ and could lead to criminals claiming compensation if they ”hurt themselves’’. Thieves target sheds to steal lawnmowers, power drills, bicycles and a variety of DIY tools.
wire mesh on shed windows

Some shed owners were told that the wire reinforcement was 'dangerous'.

 Thomas Cooper, of Tatsfield, Surrey, used wire mesh to protect three of his garden sheds after two break-ins over the past four years. He decided to take action after reports of a rise in garden raids in the area.  Mr Cooper said: “I reinforced my shed windows with wire mesh, but was told by the police I had to be very careful because thieves can actually sue you if they get hurt. ”It is ridiculous that the law protects them even though they are breaking it.”
 
Last month Samantha Cullum, a mother-of-three, of Brasted, near Sevenoaks in Kent, had her whole shed stolen when thieves lifted it on to a lorry. She said: “We had some tools stolen every now and again, but this time they took the entire shed – I couldn’t believe it.”
 
Dave Bishop, of Tatsfield, said: “The law is so stupid, and you never know what decision judges are going to make. People do get fed up with these people trying to help themselves to things which you have worked hard to gather together.”
 
Pc John Lee, a crime reduction officer for Tandridge, said: “We are constantly advising home owners to protect their property and the contents of their shed or garage, however, a commonsense approach needs to be taken.  To properly secure your sheds, Surrey Police strongly advises people to invest in items such as good-quality locks and bolts, and not to resort to homemade devices, as this could cause injury.”
 
A police source added: “Homemade devices can cause injury and there have been cases where criminals have sued for injuries they have suffered while committing a criminal act.  We are advising people to do whatever they can to protect their property, but wire mesh is not one of the suggestions we would make.”
 
(Article Source – The Telegraph Newspaper. )

 
A safe alternative – the Flexistore Metal Shed
 
If you are looking for a secure shed for your gardening tools without resorting to wire mesh on your shed – we recommend the Asgard Flexistore Storage Units which are ideal for gardens and allotments. 

 
Because these high quality sheds are made with galvanised steel panels and fitted with a unique 3-point shed locking system, they will provide excellent security and protection from attempted thefts. The Euro locks are designed to shear off during an attempted break in, rendering the shed inaccessible to even the most persistent thief.  When you turn the handle of a Flexistore shed the lock cams shoot sideways and up and down. The tough 10mm thick steel locking bars are pushed deep into the shed frame work (in a similar manner to quality UPVC doors).
 

The Flexistore Metal Garden Shed provides safe and secure storage for your garden tools.

The Flexistore Metal Garden Shed provides safe and secure storage for your garden tools.

Discreet vented panels provide the shed with natural light as well as ventilation to the shed, without the need for a shed window and wire mesh.  These high quality storage sheds will provide high security protection for valuable, large and bulky items such as lawnmowers, gardening equipment and supplies, ladders and power tools. 
 
For more information on the Flexistore metal garden shed range, visit the Asgard website.

Will a shed increase the value of my house?

We stumbled across and excellent article on ezines – so here it is.

If you invest in a metal storage shed at one time or another and then you decide to sell your home, does your shed add to the resale value of your home? This is a question that looms on the minds of many homeowners who make such important investments throughout the ownership of a home. Sometimes homeowners choose to take their metal storage shed with them when they move. That’s if it is easy to move. Other times they decide to include it with the home, especially if moving it is going to be a daunting task. But does it add value if you decide to leave it there?

As far as monetary value, it does add some money to the resale value of your home. It could also be that factor that helps make up the mind of an individual who is trying to decide between your home and another home. People love the idea of having somewhere to store their belongings that they don’t use or won’t fit in the home. So you’re probably going to be a shoe in if you have that extra storage space and the other home does not.

Big Garden Storage is best

Big Garden Storage is best

Other advantages

If your metal storage shed happens to be garage size, that is another advantage. If there is not a garage on or next to the home, an individual may choose to turn the shed into a garage for their car. Otherwise the metal storage shed is going to be an excellent place to store outdoor furniture and toys in the winter, to store the kids’ bicycles, to store lawn equipment, and other outside tools such as gardening tools. Homebuyers like the idea of their outdoor items being protected within a metal storage building instead of on the back porch. First of all, all of these items on the back porch can be an eyesore. Second of all, items that are left out in the open are invitations for thieves to come onto the property and steal these items. This means that the metal storage shed is going to keep them from having to replace their outdoor items due to theft or damage from the elements.

There are just so many uses for a metal storage shed. Other individuals may find that the shed makes a great workshop for building projects or that it serves as a great place to store summer clothes during the winter and vice versa. There are so many uses for a metal storage shed that a person’s mind goes into overdrive when they see one. They begin thinking about what they can place in it or what they can use it for. Some people have always wanted a space that they could call their own and that metal storage shed could be it.

A great investment

Because your metal storage shed adds to the resale value of your home, that is further proof that investing in a shed is certainly worth the money. It helps you out while living in your home and helps you out again when you are selling it. Then again, it continues to serve those people who move into your home after you sell it to them. That just proves how durable a metal outdoor storage shed can be and they are also attractive, so that is another selling point when you put your home on the market. It looks strong, it is strong, and it is going to stay strong no matter how many people decide to move in and out of that home.

Make sure you have a good shed locking system

Make sure you have a good shed locking system

Article source: ezine articles

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