March 08, 2006

By: Mark Harris
Website: http://www.garden-n-storage-sheds.com

Preventing Shed Theft – Secure Garden Sheds, Barns And Outbuildings Can Greatly Reduce Theft

The average barn, garden shed or outbuilding contains valuable property which can be easily disposed of by criminals. The items most commonly stolen from sheds include lawnmowers, chainsaws, strimmers, pedal cycles and power tools.

Sheds and barns are often easy to enter because of poor locks on doors. You can cheaply purchase a hasp and staple which will protect the screws mounting the lock from attack, but remember to use a good quality padlock.

Hinges are often removed using a screwdriver: prevent this by using anti-lock screws or bolts to secure them. Alarms can also be a very good investment, as can good-quality lighting fitted with movement sensors, which will help to deter potential thieves.

The vast majority of sheds, outbuildings and barns are not in the best state of repair. Poorly maintained woodwork, doors and doorframes, together with ill-fitting windows and doors, can all make security a great deal harder than it should be. Remember:

 there is no point spending £50 on the best padlock a shop has to offer if you fix it to rotten timber or a door hanging off on one hinge

 if doors are in a good state of repair and are made of wood, consider fitting metal plates inside the door and fixing locks and hinges to or through them using bolts rather than screws, remembering to use round headed bolts or non-return screws where the heads are exposed

 consider fitting film to the inside of glass in windows so that is a good deal harder to smash them. You could also consider fitting bars or chicken wire to the inside of windows

 if you don’t have to open the windows, consider screwing them shut or slightly open. If you have to open them, consider fixing them so that they cannot be opened fully

 don’t forget the roof. It is not unusual for offenders to gain entry to sheds by removing the roof with a crowbar. Check and fix your roof as best you can - it’s not always easy, but it is certainly worthwhile.

About The Author:

Mark Harris is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.garden-n-storage-sheds.com.  Build yourself a gazebo, tool shed, potting shed, greenhouse, bridge, or outdoor garden & storage shed using free building plans found online.