Garden sheds can be an easy target for opportunistic thieves (Image: Getty)
are being warned to make sure their garden sheds are secure and not an easy target for thieves this winter.
Experts at have shared six tips for households to follow to ensure their outdoor buildings are safely secured.
Garden sheds can be an easy target for opportunistic thieves, so it is important to make sure they are well secured to minimise the risks of theft.
The risk of break-ins to sheds is thought to increase considerably throughout the winter months with the long, darker evenings.
But with some forward planning, additional security measures can be put in place to make sheds and other outbuildings feel more secure.
:
The positioning of the shed can play a big part in thefts (Image: Getty)
Steps that can be taken include the replacement of any rusty locks and hinges, blocked windows, and the use of devices such as CCTV or motion sensor lights.
A spokesperson for GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk said: “Making sure your shed is well secured is really important, especially if you store any valuable tools or equipment inside it.
“You should try and make your garden unattractive to any thieves as best as you can. If your shed is positioned in an area that can’t be seen from the street and any potential thieves then the risks are lower.
“Check the quality of your locks and hinges as well, if they’re older and have been exposed to the elements then they may be rusty and it could be time to think about having them replaced.
“Consider installing some security like a CCTV camera or motion sensor light as well which can help to deter any thieves.”
Don’t miss… [PROPERTY] [LIMESCALE] [TREE]
Make sure windows are blocked so thieves cannot see what’s inside your shed (Image: Getty)
Here are six shed security tips:
1. Replace any rusty locks and hinges
Rusty shed locks can make the shed more vulnerable to potential thieves, making it easier to break in. It is recommended that low-quality locks be replaced with combination locks or heavy-duty closed-shackle padlocks.
2. Install security devices
Individuals can install various security devices to help deter potential thieves. These include CCTV cameras, burglar alarms, and motion sensor lights.
3. Block any windows
Windows can be an unfortunate advert to thieves if they are able to see what valuables homeowners have stored inside the shed. Consider blocking any windows with covering, security film, or even curtains if you require any natural light in the shed at times.
4. Make sure the roof is secure
Burglars often target the shed roof by taking it off completely. Fortunately, people can help to minimise this risk by making sure it is secured with nails or screws around all sides. It’s a good idea to anchor the shed to the ground as well to minimise the risk of thieves simply lifting your shed up to gain access, especially if someone owns a smaller shed.
5. Choose a good location
Where the shed is placed can act as a good deterrent, so choose its position wisely. If possible, the best location for the shed would be somewhere an individual can see it from the house but not from the street.
6. Make your garden unattractive to thieves
At the front of the house, it is recommended to keep boundaries low so that burglars have nowhere to hide, whereas the side and back of the house should have high boundaries, such as fences or large hedges.