Garden Shed Security

Garden buildings can be easy prey to a thief, often featuring little or no security features, the attraction of small or valuable items such as power tools that can easily be moved on and sold is sometimes too much.

Thefts from storage garden sheds are particularly common during the summer months. Insurance giant Aviva has revealed that "thefts from gardens and outbuildings shoot up by over a quarter (25%) when the clocks go forward with the average haul totaling around £850."

According to Peter Ketteringham, household underwriting manager at Aviva, "extra hours of sunlight are obviously very welcome after months of darkness, but it also means that your expensive power tools, bikes and golf clubs are more visible than ever to an opportunistic thief." Most insurers do not offer a separate product for garden sheds, as they are usually covered by your home or contents insurance. However, if you are concerned you should clarify the specific points of your individual policy - as you may find that you aren't actually covered.

Security Basics

The most obvious point is to not advertise valuables. Clear everything away at the end of the day, so there is nothing lying around in the garden to tempt unwelcome visitors. If you have a lock, make sure you use it. If you don't have a lock buy a robust one that can't be easily broken, or consider a combination lock. 

• Ensure ladders, wheelie bins, and anything else that can be used to climb up on, are all out of view or shut away.
• Mark your property with UV marking pens, paints or engraving. Security lighting is particularly effective as potential thieves will often panic when being surprised with them. 
• Thieves like to remain as quiet as possible to avoid detection, so you could also consider adding noisy gravel or shingle paths and driveways.

Our own optional Security Pack features a three-tier approach, with window bars, lock, and anti-tamper screws. This is available on both our Superior Sheds and Timber Garages.

Construction

A strong building made with durable materials is basic security essential. Make sure the joinery, doors and windows benefit from high-quality timber and workmanship.

You can opt not to have any windows, but most people prefer the benefit of some natural light. Always go for toughened glass as it is much harder to smash as opposed to standard, horticultural glass. Add more security to the windows by adding bars (preferably steel) mortised into the top and bottom window transoms. This means that even if the glass gets smashed, no-one can climb in through the window.

Most, if not, all our competitors use a hasp and staple type lock which is easily broken into. We use our own unique Master lock - a heavy-duty sliding bolt with a fully encased 7-lever lock. It is anti-sawing, anti-picking, anti-cropping and anti-prising for the greatest level of protection. A popular way of breaking into sheds is to unscrew the door, so our hinges are fitted with anti-tamper screws and fittings.

Unfortunately, we are unable to retrofit our security pack - it must be included at the time of build. If you would like to discuss the options for your own Garden Shed or other building, please do not hesitate to contact us, and one of our team will be able to discuss your needs in greater depth.