DIY Security Sheds

The Vulnerable Shed

Sheds are an ever-popular aspect of many people's gardens, and DIY security sheds are often needed to protect the valuable bits and pieces that may be stored within.

A shed can be a place of storage; a retreat from the main house, a venue for hobby activities, a bike shed or even a home office. Size ranges from the tiny potting shed just about capable of accommodating one person to the positively palatial. One thing remains common, though. Sheds are increasingly seen as an easy target for the opportunistic thief.

Steps to Security

DIY security sheds are needed for this reason. Burglars like soft targets. A thief can be in and out quickly, with minimal obstacles to overcome.

It can be as simple as bursting a couple of hinges, prising a wooden wall panel or smashing a window. A couple of seconds later, the enterprising thief will be off with the choicest of the items within. A new lawnmower, power drill, bicycle, complete tool set or chainsaw will make it well worth their while.

Rather than spending a fortune setting up an expensive alarm system, infrared movement sensors or CCTV cameras, what can the average shed-owner do for themselves to try to avoid such unwanted intrusion?

Some basic measures are worth mentioning. If you have a window in your shed, make sure that it does not provide a useful peep-hole for the thief to survey the pricey equipment inside. Put such things out of sight. Still better, make sure the window itself is secure by means of proper, solid frames and toughened glass (or polycarbonate) panes. In addition, grills or bars added to the inside of any window will dissuade the thief still further.

The door is, of course, the principal way in for owner and burglar alike. Make sure it's sturdy, with a good-quality lock (you can add padlocks for an easy boost to security) and that the hinges are not vulnerable.

If the shed is in a remote dark corner of your garden, consider lights linked to a motion detector. Most burglars will flee when illumination suddenly comes on. For an added level for the DIY security sheds, fit a suitably loud alarm. This can be linked to either a motion detector, or to electronic contacts fitted to door and/or window.

Sometimes the very cheapest options can still be surprisingly effective.

Fit a fake (and very visible) alarm box. Put stickers on the shed door/window warning of dangerous dog, burglar alarm, CCTV cameras or whatever else you think might act as a suitable deterrent. It's even worth considering planting fast-growing prickly bushes around the shed. These cheap options will further protect DIY security sheds.

The Well-Protected Shed

You will have to decide for yourself what steps are warranted in securing the shed. Mostly, this will depend on what is stored inside. However, one thing is clear: DIY security sheds are relatively easy to set up and can be made to present quite a challenge to even the most determined burglar.