Six tips to make sure your shed is secure

Homeowners are being warned to make sure their garden sheds are secure and not an easy target for thieves this winter.

Experts at GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk have shared six tips for households to follow to ensure their outdoor buildings are safely secured.

Garden sheds can be an easy target for opportunistic thieves, so it is important to make sure they are well secured to minimise the risks of theft.

The risk of break-ins to sheds is thought to increase considerably throughout the winter months with the long, darker evenings.

But with some forward planning, additional security measures can be put in place to make sheds and other outbuildings feel more secure.

Steps that can be taken include the replacement of any rusty locks and hinges, blocked windows, and the use of devices such as CCTV or motion sensor lights.

A spokesperson for GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk said: “Making sure your shed is well secured is really important, especially if you store any valuable tools or equipment inside it.

“You should try and make your garden unattractive to any thieves as best as you can. If your shed is positioned in an area that can’t be seen from the street and any potential thieves then the risks are lower.

“Check the quality of your locks and hinges as well, if they’re older and have been exposed to the elements then they may be rusty and it could be time to think about having them replaced.

“Consider installing some security like a CCTV camera or motion sensor light as well which can help to deter any thieves.”

Six shed security tips

Replace any rusty locks and hinges

Rusty shed locks can leave your shed more vulnerable to potential thieves as they become easier to break in to. It is recommended to replace any low-quality locks with combination locks or heavy-duty closed shackle padlocks.

Install security devices

There are various security devices that you can install to help deter any potential thieves. These include CCTV cameras, burglar alarms, and motion sensor lights.

Block any windows

Windows can be an unfortunate advert to thieves if they are able to see what valuables you have stored inside your shed. Consider blocking any windows with covering, security film, or even curtains if you require any natural light in your shed at times.

Make sure the roof is secure and the shed is properly anchored

Burglars often target the shed roof by taking it off completely. Fortunately, you can help to minimise this risk by making sure it is secured with nails or screws around all sides. It’s a good idea to anchor your shed to the ground as well, to minimise the risk of thieves simply lifting your shed up to gain access, especially if you own a smaller shed.

Choose a good location

Where your shed is placed can act as a good deterrent so choose its position wisely. If it’s possible to do so, the best location for your shed would be somewhere you can see it from the house but not from the street.

Make your garden unattractive to thieves

At the front of your house it is recommended to keep boundaries low so that burglars have nowhere to hide, whereas the side and back of your house should have high boundaries such as fences or large hedges. *