How to Secure Sheds & Outbuildings

These are often targeted by thieves as an easy option and they hold valuable items that can be easily sold on i.e. items such as bikes, mowers, power tools, garden tools and sporting equipment such as golf clubs.

Research has shown that the average shed contents are valued between £1,500 and £5,000, making sheds easy pickings if insecure.

Sheds & Outbuildings

Shed security can be improved with a few simple measures:

Tools

Don’t make a burglar’s job easier by leaving gardening tools lying around as these are often used to force entry into your home – a garden spade can do a lot of damage to a door or window in a short space of time. Remember most burglaries are committed at the rear of the home.

Security Marking

Security marking your tools and equipment using an SBD recognised forensic asset marking or etching kit is another highly effective and visible deterrent to thieves and an established method of reducing theft.

Locks

Depending on the quality and construction of your timber shed door, you have several options of securing it. If your shed is of solid construction, minimum 44mm thick, you may be able to fit a mortice sash lock to BS3621 - Read more...

Hasp & Staples

The alternative is an SBD approved hasp and staples that hide the fixings when closed. Use two – one fitted one-third up and one fitted one-third down the door.

The hasp and staples should be coach bolted through the shed structure or secured with either security or non-return screws, sometimes referred to as clutch headscrews. These are a special type of screw that once fitted can only be unscrewed with a special tool.

Chains

Wrap a security chain around and through the handles of garden tools, lawn mowers and cycles. Secure the chain to the wall using a purpose made shed shackle and padlock or a ground anchor fixed to the base of the shed. If using the latter, the shed will need a concrete base to secure the ground anchor. Read more about securing your bikes HERE.

Power tool batteries

If you have battery operated garden tools, store the batteries and chargers in the house away from your tools to make them less attractive to steal and less valuable to sell on.

Lockable Box

Think about using a strong lockable box or cage within the shed in which you can securely store garden tools. Where possible, this feature should be securely fixed to a solid floor or structure to prevent easy removal.

Storage Unit

Consider a specialist SBD approved steel storage unit. These can be used for bikes and garden equipment and come in a range of sizes.

Secure Windows

Shed windows can be fitted with a weld mesh or a grille on the inside. If you don’t use the window, another option is to screw it shut. Glass panes can be replaced with Perspex or Polycarbonate as a more secure alternative.

Hide Items

Keep items out of view with netting or consider a permanent spray-on frosting to the glass.

Alarm

Consider a battery-operated shed alarm. They look low key but they respond to movement or door contact with an extremely loud siren. Please keep it out of the reach of young children.

Ladders

Don’t leave ladders outside or, if you have no alternative and have to, chain them up.

Insurance

Check that you have adequate cover under your household insurance for theft from your garden and outbuildings.

CCTV

Technology that allows you to monitor your property has changed considerably in recent years. The Internet of Things [IOT] now includes Wi-Fi doorbells and camera systems. These can be linked to your phone and tablet to alert you to any activation and view your property in real-time. The installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) which can be linked to your television or video to view your garden is an alternative.

Further CCTV Advice