Keeping your garage or shed secure

When protecting your home, it is not just the house itself you have to think about. Reports of thefts from sheds and garages are common, too – particularly in rural areas.

To prevent theft of items such as bicycles, lawnmowers or power tools, consider:

• security marking any tools and equipment
• registering the security marking details on the Immobilise website – this can help if they are stolen
• connecting your house alarm or fitting a new alarm to the garage or shed
• using high-security locks and chains to secure valuable equipment

Protect your garage

• If your garage has a window, keep it locked or consider placing a grille over the window.
• Use floor-mounted T-bars or a garage door defender to reinforce your garage door.
• Double garage doors with a rim latch should be supplemented with a mortice deadlock.
• Use a ground anchor to stop motorcycles or bicycles from being easily removed.
• If you have a traditional up-and-over garage door, drill a hole through the channel above the wheels and fit a padlock.
• Alternatively, fit a hasp and staple each side of the door with a padlock or fit a specialist lock.
• Cover up any valuable items, especially if they can be seen from outside.
• Tidy away any tools, ladders or wheelie bins – to stop intruders from using these to break in.
• Extend your burglar alarm to include your garage or use a separate audible alarm system.

If you have an internal door leading from your garage into your home, make sure the door is solid and robust, and consider extra security such as:

• an accredited British Standard mortice lock
• hinge bolts
• a Birmingham bar

If you are installing a new garage door, use an accredited Secured By Design product.

Secure your shed

Many criminals target sheds to steal tools and then use those tools to break into your home. Make sure you lock away any tools and secure ladders or other equipment.

To prevent entry to your shed, you could consider installing:

• internal window grilles
• a closed-shackle padlock on a hasp and staple, pictured right
• one-way screws on hinges
• a ground or wall anchor to protect any bicycles
• a shed alarm

To prevent criminals from simply lifting smaller sheds to gain entry, make sure it is firmly anchored to the ground.

For more information, see Secured By Design’s advice on how to secure sheds.

Report a related crime

• Report burglary