Sheds and Garage Security

Don't Overlook the Outhouses

Homeowners can surprisingly often overlook sheds and garage security. In making their main home as secure as possible, they may forget that these adjoining or separate buildings are equally, if not more, vulnerable to burglars.

Indeed, many burglars specialize in targeting these types of structure, located apart from the house, less often occupied and often poorly secured.

It is well-known that most burglars are opportunistic. In other words, they don't specifically target a particular property, they just generally survey an area looking for signs of poor security or other indicators that a building is worth going for. Against this background, sheds and garages often present very tempting targets. You should pay particular attention to sheds and garage security.

Even apart from a car, sheds and garages can contain many expensive items of equipment. In any event, no-one wants to have their property broken into. Even if nothing is taken, considerable damage can be caused and of course, there is the feeling of intrusion and the resulting inconvenience.

Put off the Opportunist Burglar

Take some simple and inexpensive steps and you will go a long way to discouraging all but the most dedicated burglar.

Perhaps the best solution to ensuring sheds and garage security is to have a system linked to the home burglar alarm. This can take the form of an audible alarm activated by motion sensors or electronic contacts.

Alternatives include motion sensors linked to alarms, CCTV cameras and silent alarms. If any of these are fitted, make sure that any encroaching burglar is made aware of the alarm system by window/door stickers, secure alarm boxes etc.

If this is not possible, battery operated alarms can be fitted to individual doors, windows etc. These can work in much the same way, with audible alarms, security cameras and so on.

Make sure your garage door is safely locked and secure. Many garage doors can be broken into easily by forcing. The metal can be very flimsy and easy to prise.

Supplementary locks and bars can be fitted to increase security. As mentioned above, even if a car inside is safely locked (and alarmed), there may be plenty of other expensive equipment around that the thief may decide represents a simpler target and choose to make off with.

Sheds are a similar proposition. Think about what you keep in the shed and how you would feel if items were stolen. Is it not worthwhile spending perhaps £30 - £200 to greatly increase security? A couple of padlocks added to the door, a window grill or a motion detector linked to a powerful spot light will go a long way to putting off a potential thief.

Safe and Sound

Money spent on home security is usually well-spent. This applies especially to sheds and garage security.

Even if your area is not prone to burglaries, or your property is never targeted by thieves, sheds and garage security kept to an effective level will help you sleep better at night and rest easier when you are away from home.