So you’ve got your perfect shed all set up in the back of your garden. Your little piece of paradise, art studio, office, whatever slice of heaven you’ve created for yourself. You’ve hidden in there all your favourite kinds of tea and some Maltesers so the kids don’t finish them all, and maybe some really valuable stuff also, power tools, a lawnmower, some state-of-the-art paintbrushes, and you wake up one morning to find that the whole place has been ransacked, emptied, no more Maltesers!
Not to alarm anyone, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry, and it’s easy to sometimes forget about shed security systems in that little Malteser cave all the way in the far end of the back garden, as if anyone’s going to go through all that effort–and time–to rob a shed?!
Right?
Well, people do silly things, and in order to minimise the effect of the silly things other people do on your life, then read on to learn about how to best secure your garden shed.
The obvious place to begin is locks. Of course, it is quite plain and obvious that you should lock your shed, but you’ve got to look into the whole picture here. Is the front door reinforced? Are the hasps and staples made of good quality material…or rather, tough material like steel or iron? And finally, is the lock a real solid lock? We even do sheds that are designed for security! The multifunctional Woodlands Security Apex Shiplap is a great choice for storing valuable power tools, bikes and other equipment, as it features a high-security locking protection bar. This feature is not exclusive to the larger sheds, even the Woodlands Flex Apex Security Shed includes this great perk.
Woodlands Security Apex Shiplap
Here are other ways you can secure your shed:
Prevent Forced Entry By:
-
Reinforcing your Shed Door: Many shed doors end up being a little flimsy, and easy to just kick in, if you know what I mean. It is wise, especially if you don’t want a squatter, to add a steel frame to this sort of door, or additional security features like dead-bolts. This is one of the best practices in shed security.
-
Getting Good Quality Hasps and Staples: Ensure that the stuff that your lock locks onto is firmly placed on the door and is made of tough iron or steel that can’t be easily broken off. Also, ensure you’re using power tools to add these fixtures onto your door, as breaking in should not be as easy as carrying a screwdriver along to remove your door’s security hardware. Strengthening shed doors and windows against break-ins should be a top priority.
-
Choosing the Right Lock: There are many great quality locks on the market, of which the heavy-duty padlocks are the most popular for shed security. Made of hardened steel, these locks are resistant to cutting, drilling, and other methods of tampering. Then, of course, there’s always combination locks which are extremely convenient, especially if the shed is going to have multiple people using it (And serve as a seasonal Airbnb perhaps?), the benefit of this one is you don’t have to worry about losing the key, but you do have to always remember the code, keep it easy…but cryptic? Mortice locks are another option that is even more secure than padlocks. Based on what you’re storing inside, you can weigh these options. If you’re wondering about the best types of locks for sheds, these are your top choices, and you can browse them all here at Ikea, that has some really reasonably priced padlocks: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/elloven-padlock-white-10492196/
Ok, so you manage to keep the crooks out with a foolproof door, but you don’t want people thinking they can hover around your back garden in the first place? Or you want your Airbnb-ers to feel safe and secure even if they are all the way in that far back end, then consider other security features that will bolster your property’s ‘Don’t Mess with Me’ vibe.
Motion Sensor Lights
Motion-activated lighting is a simple and cost-effective way to boost your shed security lighting. When there is movement near your shed, the lights will turn on, drawing attention to the area and potentially scaring the thief away…or hedgehog, away. This is one of the most efficient shed security solutions.
Smart Security Cameras
Installing shed security cameras allows you to monitor the area remotely, giving you real-time alerts and footage in the event of a break-in. Some cameras are equipped with motion sensors that trigger alerts when unusual activity is detected. Many also capture freak events and hilarious encounters. Beware, you might find yourself obsessively monitoring your garden hedgehog’s nightly activities and asking questions like: Who’s the new lady? Where was she last night? And where did these little hedgelings come from?
Shed Security Alarms
A less subtle way of keeping unwanted visitors at bay is installing shed security alarms. When the alarm senses a break-in, it will be triggered and go off, causing a huge ruckus and hopefully giving you enough time to catch the thief red-handed and demand those Maltesers back.
Ok, almost there, Doors Secure - Check Property Daunting - Check
But are there any other ways someone can sneak into your shed?
It’s probably wise to check those windows and consider adding shed security bars or locking bars from the inside so you can lock them up when you’re not using the place. This is also wise to protect the shed from pests or precipitation during certain seasons. You could also consider replacing glass windows with polycarbonate or security glass, which is much harder to break and provides better insulation. Shed security window locks are a great additional measure to prevent break-ins.
So that’s three checks now, your shed is good to go, but there’s no such thing as being too careful, and if you are considering storing valuable items like power tools, or lawnmowers and chainsaws in your shed then it might be wise to invest in a lockable tool chest like this one, so you don't have to worry about these things. Storing expensive tools safely is an important aspect of shed security best practices. Also, if you are storing your bikes in your shed, definitely lock them. It’s a good practice to incorporate into your biking routine anyway, as we know in Norwich, thieves do like a good bike.
There you have it, the basic idea is to not scrimp on safety when it comes to your shed. Because sheds are often only considered secondary living and storage spaces, it also makes them prime targets for robberies and thefts, so it’s important you don’t forget about securing them. And, whether you’re looking for budget vs. high-tech shed security options, there’s a solution for every need.
Stay safe, and may your Maltesers always be where you left them!