Did you know that a shed is one of the most commonly targeted places for burglars? Your shed is a valuable asset. It’s your place to store your lawnmower, tools, and other equipment. That’s why it’s important to take some steps to secure your shed from burglars. Here are some tips on how to secure your shed from burglars.
Burglars commonly target sheds because they know that people often store valuable items in them and that they are easy to break into. It’s important to take steps to secure your shed from burglars. Adding shed locks and security cameras can help deter burglars from targeting your shed.
In this post, we will look at some of the most effective ways, that are easily implemented, to help secure your garden shed. Using any one of these tips for securing your shed will not only help with security but also will make it more difficult for thieves to take your valuables. Keep reading to learn more.
- How to secure your shed from burglars
- How to secure your shed door
- Install Security Camera For Shed
- Shed Security Alarm Systems
- Establish External Defenses For Your Shed
- Evaluate Shed Placement
- Clear The Area Around Your Shed
- Securely Fix Shed To A Foundation
- Identify Structural Weaknesses Of Your Shed
- Secure Window A/C Units On Shed
- Secure the hinges of your door
- Supervise Access To Your Garden Shed
- Cover Shed Windows
- Secure Valuables Inside The Garden Shed
- Mark Expensive Items
- Outdoor Security Lights For Shed
- Keep Inventory Of Your Valuables
- Check Your Insurance Policy
- Get A Guard Dog
- Find Out About The Neighborhood Watch
- Understand What To Do When You See A Burglar
- What is the most secure lock for a shed door
- Conclusion
How to secure your shed from burglars
There are a few things you can do to help secure your shed from burglars. The first is to make sure that the shed is locked when it is not in use.
You can also install a security system or alarm to help deter burglars from targeting your shed.
Additionally, you can make sure that the shed is not visible from the street or any other nearby buildings.
Finally, you can install security lighting around the shed to make it more difficult for burglars to operate in the dark.
Keep reading to find out 20 fantastic ways how to secure your shed to stop it from being targeted by theaves.
How to secure your shed door
Although you may be trying to save money when you purchase a small $10 padlock, it’s likely this lock could be damaged by adverse weather, or easily cut by a thief with a bolt cutter.
Instead invest in something a bit more expensive, and durable to keep your shed secure.
The best shed security locks will have multiple pins and a construction design that makes them difficult to break into.
One of the best is the ABUS 20/70 stainless steel padlock (Amazon link) which offers 360-degree protection and is virtually pick-proof.
It can be used with a maximum-security chain link (Amazon link), or a basic padlock set up (Amazon link), but make sure your padlock set up is not flimsy and is well attached to your shed in a way that it can’t be easily unscrewed.
Install Security Camera For Shed
As mentioned above, it can be extremely difficult to always monitor access to your shed, so you should definitely look into installing a security camera.
Many people don’t consider security cameras because they think they are expensive, but honestly, depending on what you are storing in your shed, a security camera will probably cost you a lot less than theft will!
A nice set of three motion-activated cameras (Amazon link) usually runs about $200.
You can also buy an individual security camera (Amazon link) linked to your phone for under $50.
Shed Security Alarm Systems
You can even go a step further and consider installing an alarm system for your shed.
If you already have an alarm system for your house, call the alarm company and see how much it would be to include your shed. If your house isn’t already covered by a security system, you can also purchase your own door alarms (Amazon link), which alarm when the door is open, and install them yourself.
If you already have an alarm system for your house, call the alarm company and see how much it would be to include your shed.
If your house isn’t already covered by a security system, you can also purchase your own door alarms (Amazon link), which alarm when the door is open, and install them yourself.
Generally, these are easy to install and you can even buy some alarm sets (Amazon link) that will send alerts to your phone when the door is opened.
Establish External Defenses For Your Shed
One of the best ways to deter thieves is to make it difficult to access your shed from the get-go. Of course, if you’ve already built your shed this could be something difficult to change after the fact, but if your shed isn’t yet built, you should consider the building and external defense like a fence.
If your yard is already fenced, build the shed within the perimeter of the fence whenever possible. If your yard isn’t yet fenced, look into building one, even if it only encloses the backyard, and build your shed there.
Evaluate Shed Placement
Besides just worrying about an external defense for your shed, you should also consider the placement of your shed (especially if it is moveable and/or not yet built). There are several aspects to consider in shed placement.
Keep It Close
The closer a shed is built to your house, the more a thief will worry about being heard as he goes about his burglary. To further dissuade any prospective thieves, it’s best to build your shed as close to the house as possible.
Visibility
Is your shed easily visible from the street? If so, this could cause a passerby to notice your shed and think it may be easy to break in. Whenever possible, have your shed in a location where it can’t be seen from the street.
Lighting
It’s best to build your shed in a location where the light from the house or your back porch easily illuminates the shed. If this isn’t possible, you can also add lights. Like these battery motion outdoor sensor light (Amazon link)
Door Direction
When you build your shed try to have to door in a place where it is easily visible from a window from the house. This way you can easily look out at any time and see if someone is messing with the door.
Clear The Area Around Your Shed
Although an arrangement of brushes and shrubs may add that mystical look to your shed, they also provide an ample place for thieves to hide.
Take away their hiding spot by keeping the area around your shed free of bushes and shrubs. If you really want a natural look, consider a few well-manicured flowers right up against the shed instead of plants that are large enough to hide in. Or manicure your bushes and shrubs to be too small to allow ample covering.
Securely Fix Shed To A Foundation
Now the theft of an entire shed is rare, but it absolutely can happen and has happened in the past. This is especially true if your shed is of small size and could easily be loaded into a truck.
Help prevent this type of thievery by bolting your shed to its foundation. This is especially easy if you do it as you are laying down a cement foundation for your shed. It’s a bit difficult to do after the fact, but you can hire a professional to help.
Identify Structural Weaknesses Of Your Shed
If your shed has structural issues, it will be that much easier to break into.
This is why it is critical that you keep your shed in good repair as any of the following issues could attract thieves.
Rotting Boards or Holes
These can easily be pulled or cut away to make a hole big enough for a human to go through. And if there are any holes in the walls of your shed for whatever reason, these should be patched up immediately as it is very easy for a criminal to turn a smaller hole into a bigger one.
Missing Parts
If your shed has a hole for a window, make sure there is actually a windowpane there. Or if your shed needs to have a doorknob installed, do so, as these are easy ways for a criminal to get in. And covering either with cloth is not sufficient as cloth can easily be cut.
Secure Window A/C Units On Shed
If you like to work in your shed in the summer, it may be necessary to have an a/c unit installed. Although installing a window unit may be more convenient, be aware that you never leave the window a/c unit set up unsupervised.
This is because it is very easy for a thief to simply remove the window unit and climb inside the unsecured window! Prevent this by removing your window set up and locking the window every time you leave your shed unattended for any length of time.
Secure the hinges of your door
Sometimes, when you order a prefabricated shed, the hinges with are included are flimsy and weak.
Switch these out instead for a set of hinges with a non-removable pin (Amazon link) which is much more secure and is significantly more difficult to tamper with. Also, keep an eye on your hinges regularly, and if they start to get loose or weak, be sure to fix or replace them so a thief can’t easily access your shed by pushing down the door.
Supervise Access To Your Garden Shed
It’s likely that people outside your family, such as contractors, house sitters, or gardeners may need access to your shed for a variety of reasons. And sadly, these people can easily become petty thieves if they see something they like while they are accessing your shed.
This can easily be deterred by ensuring you are there any time anyone accesses your shed. This may be impossible, however, especially in the house sitter situation above, so in these cases, consider installing a security camera.
Cover Shed Windows
This one is easy, if your shed has windows, leaving them uncovered can invite someone to look inside and possibly see something they would like to steal.
Instead, it’s recommended that you install dark curtains over all the windows.
If your shed is really just for storage and aesthetics doesn’t matter, you can also cover the windows with newspaper or get a can of frosted glass spray paint (Amazon link) and use it on the window.
This way nothing inside your shed will be visible to anyone trying to get an idea of what you may have.
Secure Valuables Inside The Garden Shed
Securing your valuables down inside the shed may sound complicated, but it can be necessary if you have higher-priced items such as expensive bicycles or an ATV.
This is an easy security feature to add yourself after you have built your shed, and can typically be used on any type of flooring. They aren’t 100% foolproof, however, because they can be ripped out of wooden floors if the thief tries hard enough. But if you have concrete floors, there is no reason not to invest in a few floor anchors (Amazon link) for your most expensive items.
Mark Expensive Items
This security tip is definitely not the most recommended one on the list, but it can work on a few big-ticket items. Marking expensive things usually means engraving your name on them in a permanent fashion.
Although this will deter thieves looking to steal things for retail value, it generally does nothing against thieves who are stealing for their own personal use. What’s more, is if you ever decide to sell the item, it damages your retail value as well.
But, if this is a route you want to go down, you can easily buy an inexpensive engraver for metal, glass, and wood (Amazon link) online to mark your most prized possessions.
Outdoor Security Lights For Shed
As discussed in the section on where to place your shed, the lighting of the area your shed is in can go a long way towards deterring any might-be thieves. If you can’t place your shed in a well-lit area, you can consider purchasing lights to place on your shed.
The best ones are those which are battery motion outdoor sensor light (Amazon link) or solar powered outdoor motion lights (Amazon link), and motion-activated so that they don’t drain the batteries too quickly.
Some can even attach to your camera system and send notices to your phone. Just make sure whatever light you do get is waterproof and doesn’t have any exposed chords that a thief could easily cut.
Keep Inventory Of Your Valuables
Keeping an inventory of your shed is always a good idea and this means knowing the serial numbers of big-ticket items.
This way, if an item goes missing, you will have a better chance of recovering it. This is especially important for electronics which thieves usually steal with the intent to sell. Even if the items you wish to sell don’t have serial numbers, there are some other reasons keeping an inventory can be important. More on this below.
Check Your Insurance Policy
In most cases, you are required to have homeowner insurance on your house, and in some neighborhoods, this policy is also required to cover any outbuilding (like sheds) on the property.
Whether or not this is the case in your neighborhood, you should look into the details of adding your shed to your home insurance policy. You may find it is only a dollar or two more a month and that they may cover the cost of any expensive items.
If your insurance policy does cover your shed, or you decide to add it, then it is definitely important that you maintain an inventory, with photos, of all of your items. Because in the case of theft, this inventory and photos will probably be requested by the insurance company in order to prove ownership before you are reimbursed.
Get A Guard Dog
This is probably the most difficult item on the list, especially if you don’t already have a fence in place. But if you are building a fence for your shed, consider getting a dog.
Unlike most electronics, dogs are much more difficult to tamper with, and they will probably alert you whenever anyone enters the backyard. Not only that but most thieves are easily deterred by the sound of a barking dog as they never know if the dog may bite.
If you do decide to adopt a furry friend, keep in mind that a small dog such as a Chihuahua probably won’t deter anyone and that you will need to get a larger breed of dog. Also, dogs are a lot of work, so make sure you are ready to take on the responsibilities of being a pet owner before you take one on just for shed protection.
Find Out About The Neighborhood Watch
If you live in an area with an HOA or other overseeing authority, it’s possible your neighborhood may have a program where neighbors help keep an eye on each other’s homes and have a way to report any suspicious activities.
See if your neighborhood has one of these, and what you need to do to sign up. Usually, it is just as easy as providing your phone number and address, which will enable your neighbors to call you directly if they notice something happening on your property.
Understand What To Do When You See A Burglar
Even if you do everything on this list, there may come a day when you look out your window to see someone burglarizing your shed. The most important thing to do is stay calm and call the authorities.
Take note of what the burglar looks like so you can describe them to the authorities, but don’t do anything which may compromise your safety. You never know if a thief may be armed or not.
What is the most secure lock for a shed door
A good option for a shed security lock is a padlock. Padlocks are relatively secure and can be attached to the door handle or hasp. Make sure to choose a padlock that is big enough and strong enough to deter thieves.
Another option is a deadbolt lock. Deadbolt locks provide a high level of security and are difficult to break into. They can be installed on most doors, including shed doors.
If you are looking for the most secure lock for your shed door, a padlock or deadbolt lock are good options. These locks are difficult to break into and provide a high level of security. Choose a padlock that is big enough and strong enough to deter thieves, and make sure to install a deadbolt lock on your shed door
Two good padlocks i recommend are the ABUS 20/70 diskus stainless steel padlock (Amazon link) and the Master lock 40d stainless steel discus padlock (Amazon link). Both of these are very strong and durable locks that will keep your shed safe.
Conclusion
We looked at 20 ways how to secure your shed so it isn’t the target for thieves. Securing your shed from burglars is important to protect your belongings and deter crime.
By adding shed locks and security cameras, you can make it more difficult for burglars to break into your shed and steal your possessions. Have you taken steps to secure your shed from burglars? If not, consider adding some of these security measures today.
