Secure your sheds and guard your garages

“The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.” – Wendy Wunder.

Now that lockdown restrictions have been lifted and the world is your oyster again, you might be travelling to sunnier climates or perhaps another area of the U.K.

Your home security is likely to be on ‘Ready, Set, Go’ status just before you embark on your travels, but have you remembered to make sure your shed, garage or outbuildings are also protected from thieves?

It’s a well-known fact that power tools and hand tools are high on the list of a thief, but what about your gardening equipment? The rusty but trusty lawnmower housed in the shed can be revamped and sold at some household goods auctions where no questions are asked. Shovels, spades, hoes and trowels can be worth something to someone, even second hand. Barbeques, patio furniture, ornate garden urns, pots and garden plants can fetch high resale costs when they’re stolen.

A new study shows that one in four¹ garage owners and 16%²  of shed owners have experienced a break in to their shed. Between 2019 and 2020 over £1,000³ worth of items was stolen in 20%⁴ of thefts from outbuildings, garages and sheds. Interestingly, garden equipment comes a close second to tools and work materials, with stolen tools as a result of burglaries calculated at 39%,⁵ garden furniture at 31%⁶ and miscellaneous items along with bicycle and bicycle parts at 12%.⁷

We know the problem but what is the solution?

Make sure your outdoor items are secured by taking the following steps:

• Install additional locks on doors and windows. Be aware that long padlock hasps are easier to cut through and hinges installed on the outside structure can be unscrewed. Make sure hinge screws are on the inside and hasps are thick and short.
• Temporarily block any windows you may have with MDF.
• CCTV cameras are a great deterrent.
• Alarms and motion sensors provide additional security.
• As with your home, so with your garden and garage, ask the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme in your area to keep an eye on your property.
• Fasten your garden equipment together within your shed or outbuilding. Even a basic bicycle lock or sturdy padlock and chain will make it more difficult for burglars.
• Mark your belongings with a code or UV pen and register them online. This makes it easier to help the police when they are trying to locate your stolen items.
• Register your bike with Bike Register (The National Cycle Database).

Don’t return home to a nasty surprise

It’s good practice to double check with your insurer as to whether your outbuildings and their contents (including sheds and garages) will fall under your existing buildings and contents insurance. Most home insurance will cover them but for peace of mind while you’re away from home, call us to confirm that you are protected.

1-7. https://www.comparethemarket.com/home-insurance/content/garage-and-shed-burglaries/