With the nicer weather approaching, many of us will be spending more time in the garden and using our sheds and garages more often. Unfortunately, that also means a rise in tool thefts, as opportunistic thieves target easy-to-access storage areas.

Even basic extra measures can make a big difference — most thieves are looking for an easy win. Add time, noise, and risk to the equation, and they’re more likely to walk away.

Lock Up Every Time
Always secure your shed or garage, even if you’re just stepping inside for a minute. Use quality padlocks and reinforce weak doors or hinges. Secure doors with anti-tamper screws and reinforced hinges — weak points are easy to exploit.

If you’ve got windows, reinforce them with shatter-resistant film or metal mesh from the inside.

Anchor down high value equipment.

Use ground anchors or wall brackets to chain up expensive power tools, lawnmowers, strimmers, and bikes. 

Even inside a locked building, chaining tools to a solid object adds another barrier for thieves.

Use a lockable cabinet or tool chest inside your shed/garage for your most valuable or portable items.

Lock that cabinet to a wall or floor if possible — think of it as your second line of defence.

Use a shed alarm – battery-powered ones are cheap and easy to install.

Install motion-sensor lighting around sheds and garages. Thieves prefer the dark — light makes them think twice.

Visible security cameras (even dummy ones) can deter criminals. If you can, use a system that sends alerts to your phone.

Make a list of serial numbers for your power tools and take clear photos. If police recover stolen property, this info helps them return it to you.

Don’t leave tools lying around in the garden or visible through windows. Secure ladders and larger items with chains or locks.

Look out for suspicious activity around sheds and garages — especially at night or when neighbours are away.