Do you know how to keep your shed or garage secure?

Do you know how to keep your shed or garage secure to protect yourself from burglary? Even in this difficult time it is important for us to remain vigilant and protect ourselves.

It’s not uncommon for people to not secure their shed or garage in the same way they do their home.

A burglar will usually try a shed or garage first because they can find the tools they need to get into house.

So, it’s important to keep your shed locked with a good padlock with no exposed screws. Pay attention to hinges, as these are sometimes easily removable. If you have windows then these could be vulnerable unless they’re secured with wire mesh or grills.

Another important thing to remember is to check whether your insurance covers the contents of your shed and outbuildings from theft, too.

What else can I do?

• Consider a battery-operated shed alarm. They look low key but they respond to movement or door contact with an extremely loud siren.
• Don’t give thieves 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 www.soldsecure.co.uk 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 mowers or bikes to keep them covered from view.
• Invest in a garage door stop.

Although it might sound like stating the obvious, never leave your garage or shed door unlocked if you’re not around.

Property marking your items is advisable and some tools can be painted with your name or postcode. Forensic marking is also an option.

And finally…

Please continue to report incidents to the Police on 101. Police are aware of several incidents over the past month in Southampton where sheds have been broken into, or attempts have been made to gain access to a shed or garage.

Bikes and tools have been common items that have been taken, so it is worth considering our advice above and making sure you remain vigilant at this time.