Shed Crime Prevention

Dear Resident

HOW TO SECURE YOUR SHEDS AND OUTBUILDINGS

These are often targeted by thieves as an east option and they hold valuable items such as bikes, mowers, power tolls, and sporting equipment such as golf clubs.

Shed security can be improved with a few simple measures:

Don’t make a burglaries job easier by leaving gardening tools lying around as these are often used to force entry into your home – a garden spade can do a lot of damage to a door or a window in a short space of time. Remember most burglaries are committed at the rear of the home.

Locks

Depending on the quality and construction of your timber shed door, you have several options of securing it. If your shed is of solid construction, minimum 44mm thick, you may be able to fit a mortise sash lock.

Hasp & Staples

The alternative is an SBD approved hasp and staples that hide the fixings when closed. One fitted one third up and one fitted one third down the door.

Th hasp and staples should be coach bolted through the shed structure or secured with either security or non-return screws, these are a special type of screw that once fitted can only be unscrewed with a special tool.

Chains

Wrap a security chain around and through the handles of garden tools, lawn mowers and cycles. Secure the chain to the wall using a purpose made shed shackle and padlock or a ground anchor fixed to the base of the shed. If using the latter, the shed will need a concrete base to secure the ground anchor. Read more about securing your bikes.

Alarms

Consider a battery-operated shed alarm. They look low key but they respond to movement or door contact with an extremely loud siren. Please keep it out of the reach of young children.

Secure Windows

 Shed windows can be fitted with a weld mesh or a grille on the inside. If you don’t use the window, another option is to screw it shut. Glass panes can be replaced with Perspex or Polycarbonate as a more secure alternative.

CCTV

Technology that allows you to monitor your property has changed considerably in recent years. The Internet of Things now includes Wi-Fi doorbells and camera systems. These can be linked to your phone and tablet to alert you to any activation and view your property in real-time. The installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) which can be linked to your television or video to view your garden is an alternative.

Insurance

Check that you have adequate cover under your household insurance for theft from your garden and outbuildings.

You can further crime prevention advice by going to the secure by design website www.securedbydesign.com