Keeping your shed or garage safe and secure.

Many people don’t secure their shed or garage in the same way they do their homes - often using an easy-to-break lock or padlock to protect valuable contents such as a car, bike or lawnmower.

An opportunistic burglar will try a shed or garage first because they can find the tools they need to break into the main house.

Shed and outbuilding security: first steps

First off, check that your insurance covers the contents of your shed or outbuildings from theft.

Think like a thief

Take a look at your shed and consider how you would break in. It’s worth having a good padlock on the door with no exposed screws. Pay attention to hinges, as these are sometimes easily removable. If you have windows then these could be vulnerable unless they’re secured with wire mesh or grills. And keep it locked at all times.

Alarm it

Consider installing a home alarm that includes protection for the garage.

Also, consider a battery-operated shed alarm. They look low key but they respond to movement or door contact with an extremely loud siren.

Lock it, hide it or mark it

Don’t give them the opportunity or the tools to commit a crime. Lock everything away securely. Tools can be locked inside a locker or box or secured with a chain.

Secure your bike to the ground or a lockable stand within a locked shed or garage. Visit Sold Secure to search for ground anchors and other locks designed to fix to floors and walls.

It’s always worth draping an old sheet or blanket over the top of mowers or bikes to keep them covered from view.

Although it might sound like stating the obvious, never leave your garage or shed door unlocked if you’re not around. Keep the door closed between uses so that no one can see what's inside. 

Property mark your items and take photographs of them. Some tools can be painted with your name or postcode and forensic marking is also an option. Bikes can be registered at The National Cycle Database | BikeRegister. You can also register other items that has a serial number with Immobilise.

A locksmith belonging to the Master Locksmiths Association can advise you on the most secure shed and garage door security. They can also help you install it. Most also provide full home security surveys.

The top five most common items stolen from sheds

·  Bikes

·  Mowers

·  Sports equipment

·  Power tools

·  Garden tools