 | Do you have security lighting?
Low energy dusk to dawn lighting is environmentally friendly and cheap to
run. An excellent addition to movement activated lights is a sounder in
the house to alert you that someone may be in your garden. |
| Are there overgrown areas where someone could hide? Gravel on paths and
driveways can alert you to someone approaching so intruders will not be so
keen. Prickly plants and trellis can provide extra protection from the
intruder. |
| Are your doors secure? Shed doors are notoriously easy to get into so
strengthen the door and frame if you can. Outside door hinges should be
secured with coach bolts or non-return screws. Use strong padbars and
close shackle padlocks. Up and over garage doors can be secured by putting
padlocks through the inside runners or by fitting padlocks with a hasp and
staple on either side of the door. 5 lever mortice locks are the best on
normal solid doors. |
| Are windows secure? Is the glass cracked but you haven't got round to
replacing it? You could use Perspex or polycarbonate sheet if well fixed.
Use a window lock on opening windows and a strong grille or heavy wire
mesh. Consider using net curtains to deter casual viewing. |
| Use an alarm - battery operated alarms may act as a deterrent but one
which sounds in the house is far better. If you have a house alarm, you
could have it upgraded to include your shed or garage. If the garage is an
integral part of your house, make sure the alarm conforms to BS 4737. |
| Does your insurance cover the shed and garage and all the equipment you
store there? |
| Is everything post-coded so that you could identify it if it was stolen?
Most items can be post-coded by a variety of methods (etching, UV marker,
paint stencilling etc) and easily identifiable items will make them more
difficult for a thief to dispose of and therefore less likely to take in
the first place. |
| Do you have a note of serial numbers? Have you photographed any valuable
items and put the photos somewhere safe? |
| Do you secure property within the shed? So that even if someone did
break into it, they would not just be able to walk off with all your
valuable items? Chain cycles, mowers, ladders and tools to a strong anchor
point such as metal rings fixed in concrete to the floor - use a close
shackle padlock. |
| As sheds are not designed for safe storage, would it be better to have a
strong lockable box or cage inside your shed? |
| Ask your neighbours to keep their eye on your shed as well as the house
and do the same for them in return. If you've hidden your shed so it can't
be seen, cut down some foliage so you're not providing cover for a thief. |
| When you've made your garden, shed or any outbuildings more secure,
remember to lock things away every time. It only takes a minute to pick
something up and walk off, so don't be tempted to leave everything out
while you go inside for a cup of tea. And NEVER leave cycles unlocked. |
| While you are working hard in the garden, is the burglar having an easy
time in your house? Remember to lock your doors and set your alarm. |
