BEATING SHED CRIME
Traditionally the garden shed used to contain a few gardening tools, a lawn mower and a child’s bike.
Times have changed, and for many the shed has become an extension of the family house, used to store expensive golf and fishing equipment, power tools and even quad and motorbikes.
Even if your shed only contains a few basic tools it is worth securing. Increasingly offenders are using tools taken from the garden shed to force doors and windows in the main house.
Whilst shed burglaries tend to increase during the summer months when they may be left insecure when the owner is spending time in the garden, sheds are a target all year round. Sheds are notoriously easy to break into. A padlock (cheap or expensive), fitted on a flimsy hasp, held by a couple of tiny screws in a soft timber doorframe, offers no real protection. Windows are even less secure whilst some thieves have been known to jemmy off a whole shed panel or roof to get inside. Property in sheds is easy to handle, and unlikely to be security marked.
The first question you should be asking yourself is whether the shed is an appropriate place to keep high value items?
If the answer is yes then the owner can take a few simple steps to increase the sheds security, and at the same time deter the opportunist criminal.
Download Beds 'n' Sheds crime reduction leaflet - (981kb, Adobe Acrobat format)
SECURING YOUR SHED
As with any form of site security you should start with the perimeter and work your way towards the centre....
A better designed or built shed is a good start, avoid sheds with windows, they are a weak point and allow the offender to see any high value goods inside.
How well is your shed constructed?
Make sure the shed is properly constructed and anchored to the ground.
Think about where your shed is placed
Consider where the shed should be placed. Avoid placing the shed against the house or garage, where is can be used to climb to a first floor window.
Secure your shed
Secure the door using a good quality lock, padbolt or hasp and staple with padlocks.
Security lighting
Consider using Security Lighting in that area of the garden.
Does your shed require an alarm?
Consider fitting a shed alarm, this can be mains or battery powered.
Mark your property
Mark all valuables. Postcodes can be engraved on objects like bikes, and lawn mowers, for higher value goods SmartWater may be used.
Use wire cages to secure your items
More expensive items can be placed in a wire cage, which can be fitted inside the shed.
Anchor down your items
High value items like bikes and mowers can be secured using a bolt anchored into the ground inside the shed.
Securing Your Windows
Perforated Mesh grilles will help protect vulnerable windows, while still allowing light to enter the shed.
Can be found at Decor Grille Security who are an ACPO approved security company.
Security Devices
A shed bar provides a visible detterent which protects the Lock and Hinges.
Can be found at Decor Grille Security who are an ACPO approved security company.