Shed security, it’s probably not the first thing you think about when it comes to protecting your home - but the humble garden shed can be a potential treasure trove for opportunistic thieves, so it pays to take precautions.
Who’d steal from a shed?
For would-be criminals, targeting garden sheds isn’t as silly as it sounds. Everything from power tools to top-of-the-range bikes can be found inside, with sometimes little more than a padlock and a rickety door keeping burglars from their bounty.
Add the cover of darkness into the mix, and you’ve got exactly the kind of conditions that crooks adore. Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do to help keep your shed secure.
Location, location, location
If you’re building a new shed, think about how visible it is from your home.
Out of sight may be out of mind for you, but a shed that’s neatly tucked out of view is ideal for burglars as they can enter and exit without drawing any attention from the main property.
Light it up
Motion sensitive lighting trained on your shed, or any other outbuildings, can act as a deterrent to burglars.
After all, the last thing a thief wants is to be caught in the act - the harder you make it for them to go unnoticed, the better.
Lock and key
Still using a rusty padlock to keep your shed secure? Stop.
Invest in a cylinder lock or a heavy duty, closed-shackle padlock with a ‘hasp and staple’ padbar as these are harder for bolt cutters to get through, and use reinforced screens, bars or wire mesh to stop thieves breaking in through shed windows.
Join Neighbourhood Watch
In the UK, more than two million households are Neighbourhood Watch supporters, making it the country's largest volunteer-led crime prevention movement – and you could be part of it.
Schemes focus on various issues, including burglary, and the charity offers its members advice on spotting, preventing, and reporting crimes such as break-ins, making membership a powerful way for residents to help prevent crime.
Check your insurance
You’ve taken all the precautions you can, but someone has still managed to break into your shed. This is where having the right home insurance can help.
Always check policy terms and conditions carefully, to make sure sheds and outbuildings are included. Depending on your policy limits, you may also need to list high-risk items such as bicycles, otherwise they may not be covered.
By putting a few extra precautions in place, you can protect your shed and it's contents for many years to come.
