How to Secure Your Garden Shed

When people build garden sheds, they often overlook the security aspect, but it is essential. Your newly erected garden shed, as well as containing such valuables as the kid’s bikes, lawnmowers, trimmers, etc, may also include tools that will help the burglar break into your house – he won’t even have to bring his tools with him if you give him easy access to yours!

 Physical Security Methods

When people build garden sheds, they should consider carefully where they are going to locate them. You don’t want the shed to spoil the views from your house so it needs to be somewhere unobtrusive but also it doesn’t want to be somewhere totally isolated altogether – a compromise needs to be reached.

Once erected, the door needs to be secured with good quality, heavy-duty padlock, hasp, and staple

Do not scrimp on cost here, you do get what you pay for. Spend only a few $$$ and the burglar will be in your shed in no time at all. Buy a good quality padlock, hasp, and staple and you will keep out all but the most determined thief – certainly, you will keep out the opportunist burglar who is just looking for easy pickings. A closed shackle padlock is recommended (see diagram above) which is designed to show as little of the shackle as possible – protecting it from saws and leverage attacks.

Electronic Security Methods

If you build garden sheds, as well as physical security measures, outlined above, you can also use electronic methods such as door and window alarms which come in 2 halves, 1 half being the main unit which includes an alarm and is secured to the shed frame and the other half being the contactor which is secured to the door or window. If the door or window is opened, the electrical circuit is broken and the alarm will sound. These are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased at DIY stores or you will find them online at various retailers. They can be battery-operated or use mains electricity.

If your house has a burglar alarm fitted, these can often be extended to cover garden sheds and other outbuildings such as garages. Speak to your local alarm installation engineers – it shouldn’t be too expensive and may save you a lot of time and money in the long run.