Keeping your garage and garden shed secure

Keeping your garage and garden shed secure

When it comes to home security we hope you've secured your property with good locks, strong doors and a secure alarm system. However, we often overlook our garage or garden shed. These outbuildings can be home to thousands of pounds worth of equipment, tools and appliances as well as our bikes, cars and motorcycles. 

So how secure is your external property? We've listed a few basic improvements you can make to ensure any opportunist thieves won't be able to access your property. 

Door Hinges

You may have the best lock money can buy on your shed door but can the door simply be removed by unscrewing the hinges? Using nuts and bolts or Allen key screws will make it trickier to remove the door, or try hammering ball bearings into the end so they can't be unscrewed. The best bet is to use one-way screws which once attached cannot be unscrewed. Also make sure you have strong hinges which can't be easily kicked or shoulder barged off as the best screws in the world won't make a difference here.

Add hasps and padlocks

Don't rely on the basic lock that your garage or shed comes with, fit a heavy duty padlock or hasp and make sure the screws are not accessible from the outside with a screwdriver and if so use one-way screws again. It's wise not to use too many locks on your shed or garage as this will make it obvious you have something of value inside. A couple of good quality locks will do the job and should deter any would be thief.

Door reinforcement

Thieves have several techniques which they use to force entry through garage doors but there are products available which can be installed to minimise the risk of this type of access. The Garage Door Defender is tough steel lock which acts as a 'foot' or lever against your garage door and locks to a solid steel base with the hockey-puck style padlock. This prevents your garage door from being opened by stopping the 'up-and-over' action, making unauthorised access extremely difficult. The Garage Door Defender is also extremely resistant to lock-picking because of its 6-pin padlock cylinder.

The CASAC Shed Security Bar 

This is a strong steel defense that can be fitted to a variety of shed sizes. The bar is attached to the door frame with secure bolts. Entry and exit to the shed is still easily achieved as the shed bar is hinged. Shed bars are available in a variety of sizes to fit all shed sizes.  

Another option might be The Garage Guardian which stops the two bottom corners of the garage being bent back to gain entry. With up-and-over type garage doors being an easy target for burglars through forced entry techniques – this is a cost effective solution to keep your valuables secure.

Install an Alarm

You should have an alarm on your home so why not on your garage and shed. It's could be possible to extend the alarm system fitted to your house to cover external buildings but if this isn't an option a dedicated alarm should be fitted. DIY stores supply units to cover your garage or shed and try and get one with a sensor which should be angled to cover obvious entrance points such as doors or windows.

Secure  windows and obscure the view

If a thief can't see what's inside your outbuildings then it won't be as tempting to break into them. Replacing clear glass with opaque will mean light can still pass through but the contents can't be seen. If this isn't an option try adding net curtains or even plastic bags to obscure the view. Glass frosting can be purchased to spray onto the windows or Perspex sheeting can be fitted behind the glass for extra strength. Consider adding a grille or bars to any windows as this will add as another deterrent and make it much harder for a thief to access your garage or shed.

Access and Location

How easy is it to access your shed and garage? A good thick hedge or fence around your garden  with a strong gate and lock will go some way to deterring a burglar and the addition of gravel on paths and drive ways will give an audible signal of anyone approaching your property. If you are having a new shed built in your garden try and make sure it's out of view from anyone passing by your house and fitting a security light with motion sensor such as the Byron PIR sensor will alert you to any activity around your property. CASAC supply these inexpensive PIR systems for just £15 (inc VAT) and can also supply and install them for just £36 (inc VAT) – supply and install available in West Yorkshire. 

Tagging and Serial numbers

If you have expensive items stored in your garage or shed its well worth noting down serial numbers and documenting items with a digital photo, even if it's just on your mobile phone. Using a UV pen to mark your goods is a great way to make them easier to trace if they are stolen as well. 

Protecting your property doesn't have to be an expensive job but securing our garden sheds and garages is well worth it for peace of mind and home security. With thieves always on the lookout for an easy steal these simple steps can make the difference between being the next victim or the one that just in worth the risk. For more information about garage, shed and outbuilding security you can call CASAC today on 0845 519 2122 or email us on mail@casac.org.uk