Garden and Shed Security

Most people don't secure their shed or garage in the same way they do their homes.

People often end up using a flimsy lock or padlock to protect the contents - whether it's a car, bike or lawnmower.  The fact is, a burglar will usually try a shed or garage first because they can find the tools they need to get into the house.

Think like a thief - take a look at your shed and consider how you would break in.  it's worth having a good padlock on the door with no exposed screws.  Pay attention to hinges, as these are sometimes easily removed.

If you have windows then these could be vulnerable unless they're secured with wire mesh or grills, and keep it locked at all times.

Alarm it - consider a battery operated shed alarm.  They look low key but they respond to movement or door contact with an extremely loud siren.

Lock it, hide it or mark it - don't give them the opportunity or the tools to commit a crime.  Lock everything away securely.  Tools can be locked inside a locker or box or secured with a chain.  Secure your bike to the ground or a lockable stand within a locked shed or garage.  Visit Sold Secure to search for ground anchors and other locks designed to fix to floors and walls.  

It's always worth draping an old sheet or blanket over the top of movers or bikes to keep them covered from view.

Although it might sound like stating the obvious, never leave your garage or shed door unlocked if you're not around.  Property / forensic marking your items is advisable and some tools can be painted with your name or postcode.

Tips to nip garden crime in the bud - Make sure garden fences are high enough to make climbing them difficult.  A trellis can be used to add additional height which can also stop items being thrown over.

Don't leave ladders and tools lying around in your garden, these could be used to break into your home.  High value items such as bicycles and lawn mowers should be shackled together ideally to the fabric of the building itself.  Obscure the window of your shed and garage to prevent thieves seeing what you have inside.

Use signage to let offenders know you have security marked your property and a member of a Watch Scheme.

Defensive planting - Think about using defensive planting around vulnerable areas such as windows, fences, boundary wall and drainpipes.  Examples include: Berberis, Rosa Rugosa 'Rubra’, Pyrancantha,, Holly, Hawthorn.  Ask your local garden centre for advice.

For the latest crime prevention advice visit: www.westmercia.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention

For crimes in progress call 999.

For non emergencies report online: www.westmercia.police.uk/report

If you are unable to report online, you can contact the police via the 101 non-emergency number.

Sigh up to receive alerts from your local policing teams - www.neighbourhoodmatters.co.uk