Consider yourself a dab hand at DIY? We’ll bet that you have a host of tools at your disposal – and if space is at a premium in your garage, or you don’t have access to a garage, then you’ll more than likely keep them stowed in the garden shed, right?
Whilst you might think that your shed is filled with junk that no one wants or needs, criminals are incredibly savvy. If your shed has a window, they can peer in and see if there are any tools left lying around, or assess how they can get their hands on your brand new mountain bike without making too much of a racket.
The garden is your first line of defence against potential break-ins, which is why we thought we’d share some simple tips on how to make yours more secure. We even offer recommendations as to where you can purchase high-security padlocks for your garden shed too. So, let’s get started.
Create barriers for entry
Have you ever been the victim of a break-in? If you have been, you’ll know first-hand just how daunting it can be. However, burglars are inclined to return to a place they have attempted to break into before, as they’ll have a rough idea of where everything is located and how best to gain access. Yet despite this, almost 50% of UK homeowners fail to improve their security measures after a burglary which is a disaster waiting to happen!
Our best advice? Think prickly roses, thorn bushes and high hedges. These are sure to make intruders think twice before stepping foot in your garden. Alternatively, a garden fence or wall can make it difficult for them to climb over – as can barb wire and spiked fencing.
But, more importantly, if your fence panels are damaged then you must repair or replace them right away. Otherwise, intruders will use them to their advantage.
Keep your garden well-lit
Burglars – as we all know – love to operate under a blanket of darkness. They wait until all the lights go out and tactically make their move whilst you’re getting your beauty sleep.
The solution is simple. Get some motion-triggered lights and fit them near garden features, outbuildings, and any other particularly dark corners of the house or garden. These will light up when movement is detected, putting the spotlight on the intruder (something which they hate!). Solar LED lights are another great option and can be easily placed around garden paths, next to your garden shed or at the bottom of your garden.
Install CCTV
Another great way to stop criminals targeting your property is to fit CCTV cameras. Of course, the best security device will largely depend on the size of your garden, your budget and what kind of items you leave outdoors overnight, but there are plenty of brilliant, and affordable, options out there.
The beauty of having CCTV in operation at home is ideal if you regularly leave your house unattended at night time. You might work the night shift or (with the exception of the last 12 months and coronavirus) enjoy several holidays a year. Knowing that your house is protected can give you the peace of mind and also put intruders off, as the last thing they want is to be caught on camera!
Choose gravel
Gravel might not be your no.1 choice for garden paving or the driveway, but you’ll have to trust us on this one. Using medium-sized gravel will notify you every time someone steps foot through the gate or on your drive, whereas an unwanted guest could quite easily sneak across the lawn or concrete paving stones and get to your garden shed without being heard or noticed.
Secure your garden shed with padlocks
From gardening tools, such as lawnmowers, hedge trimmers and spades to bikes, trikes and jet washers that are simply too big to accommodate in the house, garden sheds are a massive help when it comes to storing large, cumbersome items. But they are also one of the most common targets for thieves.
The best thing you can do to protect your possessions is to keep them in a concealed spot. For example, some power tools and gadgets need to be locked inside a security box or safe to prevent them from ending up in the wrong hands. And on the outside of the box, you should consider using a padlock to enhance security.
Padlocks can be used to secure all manner of things – be it toolboxes, shed doors, garden gates or chains. Always select a high-quality outdoor padlock – ideally a weatherproof one – and make sure that it is fitted correctly. If you don’t have any at hand, you’ll find an extensive range of padlocks from leading brands, including Abus, Ifam, Squire and Yale to name just a few, at LockShop Direct. And if you’re not sure which padlocks suits your security needs best, contact the experts on 0330 174 0851.