Sadly, a lot of people think they don’t need to protect their shed, after all, it’s just for junk, the things we want to keep – and will eventually throw out – there is nothing important in there. Of course, that lawnmower that you’ve had for a few years might not be worth much on its own, but think about the other items you have stored in your shed, the accumulated value of those bikes, power tools, gardening gear or maybe you have turned your existing shed into a work shed. Despite the fact that sheds still do hold some valuable items inside them, they are very rarely secured properly.
It doesn’t matter if your shed is close to your house or not; you should give it the same level of security as you do for your home and garage.
Let’s look at the vulnerable areas of your shed, and how to address them.
Structural Weaknesses
Look for any obvious issues, work out what those issues are, fix any loose panels if you have any broken, damaged or rotten window or door frames replace them. Patch up any holes in the roof. You need to make it difficult for thieves to access your shed in the first place. If you have any holes or gaps in your fencing fix them. You can always plant some *thorny* bushes as a deterrent and if your shed or garden has over-grown shrubs, keep them trimmed to reduce any spots someone can hide in.
Old Locks
Does your shed have old locks or claps that can be easily broken or picked? If you prefer traditional locks replace your old fastener with a strong hasp and staple that is secured by coach bolts and then add a sturdy lock – one that is water and rust resistant and use it every time you close the shed. The harder it is for someone to break into your shed the less likely they are going to try in the first place. A lock that is difficult to break, increases their odds of getting caught.
Unsecured Windows and Air Conditioning Units
If you have installed a window air conditioning unit and it isn’t secured, a thief can simply remove the unit and gain access. Make your air conditioner harder to remove by adding a support brace that attaches to the sheds exterior wall. While it gives you extra work, it will make it a lot harder for the thief to remove the unit. Once you have installed the bracket look at ways of securing the top of the window to help prevent would-be intruders from opening the window above the air conditioning unit.
Loose Hinges
If your shed’s hinges are loose and exposed it makes them easy to unscrew. Replace your old set of hinges with some that have a non-removable pin. Look for coach bolts or carriage screws to install the hinges too, these have smooth heads that can’t be removed from the outside once they have been screwed in.
Third-party Access
If you have had strangers or tradies – anyone in your yard who has had unsupervised access to your shed, this may have given them the opportunity to unfasten a window or jam the door clasp. Install some window and door alarms. There are some simple D.I.Y alarm systems on the market – some send a notification to your phone if the alarm is triggered.
Uncovered Windows
Uncovered windows allow passers-by to see what is inside. Don’t advertise the contents of your shed – simply put some curtains or other window coverings up – Block out Curtains, privacy film or a simple blind will all do the trick.
Poor Lighting
If your shed is located in a dark corner of your yard it can be hard to see what is going on of a night – install some sensor lighting, after all no potential burglar wants to be seen. Depending on the range and strength of your lighting you might also deter intruders from entering the rest of your property.
Keep an Inventory
Whether you are worried about your shed being broken into or not, it’s a good idea to keep an up to date list of the items stored inside. If an item does get stolen you improve your chances of getting it back if you have its serial number or that it has any unique identifying marks.
It doesn’t take a lot of money or time to secure your shed, but it’s worth being safe.
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