If you’re like most shed owners, you love your garden shed. It’s where many of us store our valued garden and power tools, or where we are at our DIY happiest. So, of course, you should protect your happy place! Keep your belongings and your equipment safe with these useful tips on how to secure your garden shed.
Keep Your Shed Locked
Your outdoor shed and any fence openings should always remain locked when not in use. Thieves always look for easy targets and an open, unprotected shed is just inviting trouble. Get a sturdy padlock, and use it every time you close the shed. If you have a lot of high-value tools and equipment, you can also place sensors on the doors and windows so that you’re alerted of any attempted break-in.
Keep Your Shed Structurally Sound
Identify the problem areas in your shed. Reinforce loose components, patch up any holes and replace any rusted window frames or doors. Any weakened areas can make it easier for thieves to gain access to your shed’s contents.
Fortify with Plants & Surrounds
Make it difficult for criminals to access your outdoor shed. Planting thorny bushes and spiky, prickly plants around the shed is a great way to deter thieves. Shrubs like Barberry (Berberis stenophylla), Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) and Holly (Ilex aquifolium) are excellent for this purpose. Not only do they look nice, but they are painful in a close encounter. Why not use gravel on paths that lead to your backyard shed? Criminals fear being heard.
Add Window Coverings
Does your shed have a window? Put up curtains, blinds or any window covering to avoid advertising the contents of your shed. A glimpse of your equipment and an unoccupied backyard shed can be tempting for criminals. For added protection, install glass-break sensors.
Organise Your Sheds Contents Securely
Make security a priority in your organisation system. Use a cubby system, preferably with locks, to keep your expensive tools out of sight. Always lock tools that could facilitate a home break-in. Secure your ladders by keeping them chained and locked in your backyard shed.
Keep Your Yard Well-lit
Keep your back garden well-lit to further deter burglars. Installing motion sensor lights will eliminate dark hiding places and will spotlight anyone passing by your property. Try solar powered options to cut down on running costs.
Keep An Inventory
Keep an inventory to help you identify what has been taken if a break-in does occur. Keep a list of the serial numbers of the items in your outdoor shed. You should also register that list with your local police department. It will make the recovery of your stolen items easier. Always make sure that any equipment you own is clearly marked as your property.
Tips to Secure your Garden Shed
These tips on how to secure your garden shed will give you peace of mind in knowing that your equipment and your garden shed contents are safe.
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