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How to Improve Shed Security
Published: 11/06/2021
Shed security is vital for keeping your possessions safe – but it’s also important for your peace of mind. After all, sheds are a favourite target for thieves. And this is hardly shocking when you consider how easy many of them are to see and reach. Plus, these criminals know they’ll find tools, bikes, garden equipment and more inside.
To help shed owners protect their property from intruders, we’ve put together some tips for keeping your shed secure.
Shed security stats: do you need to secure a shed?
According to a 2019 article on the Which? website, 22,500 Brits fall victim to shed burglary each year [1]. But if you take the right steps to secure your shed, you can keep your belongings safe. To improve wooden shed security and stop determined criminals breaking in, you have four key options:
- Keep your shed away from thieves (tips 2, 4, 7)
- Prevent them breaking in (tips 1, 3, 5, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16)
- Protect your possessions if they do get inside (tips 6, 9, 10,12)
- Protect yourself if thieves do take your belongings (tip 11)
While number 4 on the above list could (and does) happen, there are steps you can take to ensure your shed (and its contents) don’t get into the wrong hands – and most of the tips in this post address this. From choosing the right location to buying the right shed security products - we aim to provide all the information you need in this post. Of course, this applies just as much to double-door shed security as it does to garden buildings with a single door. Note: The tips on this list refer to general storage shed security (including bike shed security), but we also provide info on keeping your bike shed secure here.
How do you burglar-proof a shed?
At this point, there's clearly one question on your mind - you want to know what steps you can take to increase shed security. Here are ways to do just that...
1. Choose the right shed
A running theme throughout our recent blog posts has been choosing the right shed for your needs (and this article is no different). If you’re going to be storing valuables, such as bikes or tools, in your shed – start with a shed that is built to be more secure than others. And the most secure sheds are often called security sheds.
What is a security shed?
One example is the Security Apex Shed. This comes with extra narrow ‘slit’ security windows that thieves would find difficult to see into from the outside (and from a distance). This building also features a free shed security bar, which makes your building more secure at the door of the building. The bar fits across the door frame and locks it in place, which stops thieves from opening the door from the outside. Whether or not you have a shed that comes readymade for security, there are many other ways you can keep your garden building secure…
2. Keep your shed away from prying eyes
As we state in a previous post on secure bike storage, it’s important to be careful when choosing your shed’s location. Why? Because if criminals can’t see the shed, they won’t know it’s there and will be much less likely to try and break in. To be specific, erect your shed in – or move it to – a place in your property that is not visible from the road or alleys, but that is visible from your home. That way, you can also keep an eye on it.
3. Fit a shed security door and locks
Always opt for high-quality security for your garden room doors and windows.
A standard shed door becomes a security door when you fit garden shed security locks and hinges, as well as tamper-proof screws.
What is the best lock for a shed?
A deadbolt or padlock with a shroud to prevent cutting is a good choice. Tiger has a great range of garden room security products including a Security Post, Security Bar, Hasp & Staple with Disc Lock, Mesh Window Frames and not forgetting our Anti Vandal Screws. All designed to deter burglars and help keep your belongings safe and sound. Make sure your shed security products are installed properly and then you can relax!
A shed security post takes a matter of minutes to install yet offers a great security solution for securing bikes and expensive tools in your shed.
So, if you’re looking for an easy way to keep your garden shed safe from intruders, find out just how simple it is to install by watching this Step by Step installation video to learn more!
Or, how about a shed security bar?
A visual deterrent and a simple way to ensure your shed is safely locked. Watch our Step by Step Installation guide to see just how easy it is to install – and rest easy knowing your shed and its contents are secure.
Secure your garden shed for maximum protection with this easy-to-use hasp and staple lock! Installing a Tiger Hasp & Staple with disc lock is a breeze - and it'll give you total peace of mind.
The hasp covers the screw fittings which is a prime weak spot that thieves would otherwise try and exploit. Check out this video to get the step-by-step instructions and keep your shed and its contents safe and sound.
If you have valuable items inside the shed, consider adding internal locks and safes as an added safety measure. Internal locks can also deter vandals from tampering with or damaging your shed contents. This can save you money on repairs and replacements in the long run.
4. Go windowless!
To stop thieves from seeing the belongings inside your garden room you can also fit curtains, or blinds on any windows. This not only improves shed security, but also has the potential to improve the décor and make your building a more pleasant place to be. In addition to covering the windows, you can also hide items inside by covering them too.
It may also be worth your time to consider buying a dedicated windowless security shed like these ones from Tiger.
5 Star Review By: James
“I was looking at sheds for a while, but every time kept going back to look at the Tiger sheds. I'm so glad that I did as the quality of the build is fantastic and to build was just as simple! 100% recommend!”
A windowless shed has many benefits including:
Enhanced Security: Windowless sheds are more secure as they don't offer potential entry points for burglars. Without windows, it's more difficult for someone to see what's inside the shed, making it less attractive for theft.
Reduced Maintenance: Without windows, it's harder for burglars, rodents and insects to find their way into your shed. This can help protect your stored items and reduce the need for extra measures. Plus, you won’t need to seal your windows or combat any leaks because you won’t have any!
Improved Insulation: Windowless sheds are often better insulated, which can help regulate temperature and humidity levels. This can be particularly beneficial if you're storing sensitive items that need a stable environment.
Easier to customise: A windowless shed provides a blank canvas for customisation. You can add shelves, hooks, or other storage solutions without having to work around windows.
Or, how about a security shed that offers the best of both worlds with security slit windows to allow some natural light within the shed but designed to deter windows from being used as an access point?
https://www.tigersheds.com/product/tiger-security-apex-shed/
This is an extremely popular security shed that makes it difficult for burglars to break into. If they can’t see your belongings, they’re less likely to take a chance on breaking in.
You can see our full range of sheds with security by clicking here
5 Star Review by: Tony
“I was very pleased with my security shed. It was delivered in as promised timescales, erected in approx. 4 hours no problems encountered, everything fitted and is robust. The door locks are excellent and secure. Would recommend your product to anyone.”
If you value natural light, ventilation, or a view, a shed with windows may be more appropriate. However, for increased security, privacy, and insulation, a security shed without windows could be the better choice for you.
5. If you have windows – secure them!
Single-glazed windows make your shed vulnerable to break-ins.
How do I protect my shed windows?
Some sheds, such as the Tiger Workman Apex, come with secure mesh window grills and toughened glass as upgrades, which can make your building even more secure. A primary reason sheds have windows is because they let in natural light – which makes it easier to find your stuff when you’re inside. And if you spend a lot of time in your shed, this natural light can make it more pleasant – especially if you use it as a garden office. But – and this is a big ‘but’ – natural light can also help thieves see what’s inside the shed.
If your shed has windows, consider installing mesh window frames for an added layer of security.
Check out our step-by-step installation video guide to make the process of fitting mesh window frames to your garden building a breeze.
Tiger Tip - Go the extra mile and use window film to obscure the glass before fitting the mesh frames to hide what’s inside the shed. This works a treat 😊
However, you can overcome this issue with the next tip…
6. Obscure the view from outside
The reason we talk about shed windows so much in this article is that they’re so important to shed security. If you must have windows, perhaps because you want plenty of natural light, then you can fit curtains or blinds to the windows to stop criminals seeing inside. That not only improves shed security, but also has the potential to improve the décor and make your building a more pleasant place to be.
7. Hide what’s inside
Continuing on from the last three tips on this list, cover the items inside. If potential thieves can't see your belongings, they're less likely to take a chance on breaking in.
8. Secure your shed to the ground
One question we hear quite a lot is, "How do you secure a shed to the ground?" And the answer is: with an anchoring kit. A shed security anchor is designed to fix the shed to the ground and can stop criminals lifting up the building to get inside.
9. Lock up your belongings
The Police recommend that you wrap strong chains through the handles of lawnmowers, bikes and garden tools. And it’s easy to see why – these chains add another layer of security to prevent theft. Or better still, keep your valuable items in a strong box or cage that you can lock. In fact, this is recommended by West Yorkshire Police [3].
10. Lights, camera, alarm!
Consider installing a security light with a motion sensor to scare away thieves. A shed security camera can also make thieves think twice before breaking into your shed. If there is no electricity supply to your shed, solar-powered versions are available. The best alarms are fitted with door triggers and motion sensors that can also make thieves panic and run away. But if you install an alarm, make sure it’s visible. The mere presence of these kinds of systems can deter thieves.
You can also get some great solar lighting kits that provides power for LED strip lights like the https://www.tigersheds.com/product/hubi-work-16-solar-lighting-kit/
11. Get insurance
If you’ve taken all the steps above, your shed will be pretty secure – and thieves are much less likely to break in and get their grubby hands on your belongings. That said, no shed is completely secure. So, if the worst happens, insuring your shed and its contents will help you recoup your losses.
12. Tag Your Belongs for Security
Take inventory of what's in your shed and mark your belongings with a unique identifier. This can help in recovering stolen items and proving ownership.
13. Neighbourhood Watch
Join or establish a neighbourhood watch program. Neighbours looking out for each other can significantly reduce crime.
14. Secure Your Shed Ventilation to Keep Burglars Out
If your shed has vents, make sure they are secure, possibly with a mesh or grill, to prevent easy access.
15. The Power of Security Signage
Display security system signs and stickers prominently, even if you don't have a security system. The appearance of security can be a strong deterrent.
16. Maintain Your Shed to Keep it Secure
Continually check and maintain your shed, ensuring that locks and security features are in good working condition.
Shed maintenance is unavoidable and a well-maintained shed will be stronger and more robust so less easy to access. Treating the timber with reliable shed paint or shed preservative is recommended at least once a year. It’s quick and easy to apply and could help extend your shed’s life beyond Tiger’s 20-year guarantee.
If you’ve invested in a pressure treated timber garden building, rest assured that these sheds have undergone a meticulous tanalisation process to ensure you get your money's worth. This means that during the production process, the wood is naturally dried using either a stream of warm air or an oven. Once fully dried, it is then immersed in wood preservative and placed in a tank specifically designed for pressure-treated wood treatment. A vacuum is used to remove the air from the tank, resulting in durable wood that can withstand various weather conditions and remain intact even after many years of use.
https://www.tigersheds.com/product/tiger-elite-pressure-treated-apex-shed/
We hope you have found this article helpful and remember that no shed security system is completely fool proof, but by implementing multiple security measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of burglary. All you need to do is customise your security plan to suit your specific needs for your peace of mind.
Find your perfect space with Tiger. Choose from hundreds of innovative garden building designs in all shapes and sizes and to suit all budgets including a range of security sheds, all with our market-leading Tiger 20 Year Guarantee.
References
[1] https://www.which.co.uk/news/2019/02/22500-brits-fall-victim-to-shed-burglary-a-year-are-you-protected/ [2] https://www.lincs.police.uk/reporting-advice/home-security/shed-outbuilding-and-tool-security/ [3] https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/advice/home-security/home-security/shed-and-garage-security
