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As the weather gets nicer, us Brits spend more time doing activities outdoors. So it might be an appropriate time to review your garden security including any sheds and outbuildings. Thieves will often target such areas as they often have weak security and may contain valuable bikes, garden equipment, power tools, etc.
According to data from the ONS (Office for National Statistics), 16% of shed owners have been burgled. 24% of shed owners admitted to not taking additional security measures to prevent burglary. And 6% of shed owners have between £5,000 and £10,000 worth of goods in their sheds. The ONS survey also revealed that 18% of participants’ home insurance did not cover these outbuildings.
Those are pretty shocking figures. So I thought I’d outline some garden security tips to help you think about how you can prevent theft from your gardens:
Buying a good quality, solid shed is the initial starting point toward securing your outside possessions. A thief will often bypass the lock if the shed is made of a flimsy wood that can be forced open. If you cannot or do not want to purchase a new shed, then do your best to reinforce the shed. This can be done by fitting extra braces (either wood or metal) especially to doors and windows.
Use a strong high security lock/padlock. Get one that is resistant to all weathers and is meant for external use. It should be made from hardened steel and use a closed shackle as they are more difficult to cut. Better still put two locks on the shed. A thief will always look for an easy target. Double protection means potentially double the time and effort.
If possible, place the shed where it can be seen. Thieves prefer to work where they will not easily be seen. Fitting motion detection security lighting can be an effective deterrent and may well put off someone who is trying to target an outbuilding.
And don’t forget to check the window. Shed windows are often made from a single piece of glass which is very weak. Why not look into a thick piece of polycarbonate. It will still let the light in, but is much harder to break.
Attach hinges and locks with coach bolts, not screws if possible. A thief can sometimes easily unscrew the hinges and remove the door. A coach bolt is secured with a nut from the inside, and only a smooth dome is visible from the outside.
And if hinges or hardware are looking old and rusted, replace them. They’ll be cheaper to replace than the contents of your shed in most cases. Maintaining your shed is also important. Over time wood can weaken as the effects of the weather and aging take hold. A thief can exploit the weaknesses of a poorly maintained shed.
If you plant thorny bushes and spiky, prickly plants around your shed/outbuilding, then it is more difficult for a thief to approach it and to look for weaknesses in the structure.
And, as you would at home, keep valuable items hidden away and out of sight as much as possible. Some people like to flaunt their expensive items, but it is of course much better if you do not advertise and make visible these items to avoid being targeted. In fact it is better to keep power tools in the house (if space allows).
There are speciality sheds designed with garden security in mind. For example, you might decide to purchase a metal shed made of a thick galvanised steel. Some sheds also come with additional locking points for valuable items (e.g. ground / wall anchors).
Alarm and CCTV systems can also be added depending on your budget and the value of the items you are securing in the shed/outbuilding.
Make it difficult for thieves to get into your garden by having a high security double locking lock fitted to your gate. A Gatemate is a high security double locking gate lock which comes in three types: double key lock, thumb turn or button release style. These locks are ideal for gates as they have a long throw bolt that stays in place even when the gate/wood moves and expands over time.
As with sheds, make sure your gate is made of a strong material and is well maintained.
So as you can see, there are several things you can do to enhance your garden security.
Securing your shed or outbuilding is crucial for protecting your valuable belongings and maintaining peace of mind. By following the tips discussed in this article, you can enhance the security of your outdoor storage space and reduce the risk of theft.
I hope this article on Garden Security has been useful to you. If you have any questions or would like to discuss how my services could improve your garden security, please get in contact.
Got a question about a lock issue you may have? Why not have a look at the FAQ page or one of the helpful advice videos on the Media page.