How to protect sheds from tool theft

Homeowners have been warned to properly secure their sheds or risk tool theft from opportunistic criminals.

Experts at GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk have named the seven measures all Britons should take in order to secure their expensive tools and garden equipment.

Tools and work materials are the most commonly stolen items from garden sheds, yet 24% of shed owners do not take security measures to protect their equipment.

Small sheds should be anchored to the ground with a concrete base and bolts to prevent criminals from lifting the building up.

Keeping valuables out of sight, marking equipment and taking out shed insurance are among some of the tips.

A spokesperson for Garden Buildings Direct said: “It’s worrying that almost a quarter of shed owners aren’t taking action in securing their garden buildings, tools and expensive equipment.

“There are several easy steps all gardeners should take to deter opportunistic criminals from breaking into their sheds and stealing valuable possessions.

“Installing simple security measures such as lighting, alarms and CCTV and adding a frosted film onto the windows will keep valuables locked away and out of sight.

“Anchoring down small sheds with a concrete base and bolts will stop thieves from being able to lift the building up and steal equipment from inside. And positioning your shed out of sight from the street will deter opportunistic criminals.

“Gardeners should also consider marking their possessions and adding shed insurance onto their policies.”

Here’s how to prevent tool theft from your shed:

1. Anchor any small sheds

Sheds that are on the smaller side should be anchored to the ground to stop criminals lifting the building up. Casting a concrete base will allow you to secure the shed down, and adding concrete blocks inside will make it too heavy to lift. Anchoring sheds can also involve attaching them to a wall or fence with heavy-duty bolts.

2. Simple security measures

Adding security measures such as CCTV, alarms, lighting and heavy bolts can be a simple way to deter thieves from even trying to break in.

3. Choose the right place in your garden

When building your shed, position it out of sight from the street to stop criminals from spotting an opportunity to steal. However, it’s a good idea to have your shed in sight of your house else a thief could go undetected.

4. Frost the windows

Keep any valuable tools out of sight by adding a frosted film on all the shed windows. Criminals are less likely to attempt to steal anything if there is nothing for them to see.

5. Lock together items

Securing larger items together with a heavy-duty chain will make things more difficult for thieves to steal. Lock up bikes, lawnmowers and strimmers to deter criminals from stealing these items

6. Mark your possessions

Using paint or permanent marker to write your name and address on any expensive tools may deter thieves as the price they can sell equipment on for will be lower. Identifiable possessions would also be more likely to be returned to their owner by the police.

7. Shed insurance

Consider getting insurance for your shed and its contents to be covered for any theft, as well as fires or flooding. Some home insurance policies will also cover outbuildings, but it’s worth checking with your provider.