Shed Security

[GeraldTheBonzai]

I'm getting to the point where I have a fair amount of kit in my shed. The shed is padlocked but the reality is that it's wooden, so a descent sized screwdriver would easily pry things open.

It is clearly visible from the kitchen - maybe 15 feet away. We do have a basic light on the wall that overlooks the garden and shed.

I've thought of putting a cctv up in the back room window, which overlooks everything. However, this would also totally overlook the neighbours garden and patio area, which they use a lot. In a similar way, automatic lights at first floor level would light up not just their garden but the back of the house opposite. Was also told by a friend who is in the police that all garden lights do is make life easier for any thief.

Any thoughts?

[Frnc]

Yes. I don't think you can make it secure. Put it this way, people who own motorbikes spend £ hundreds on ground anchor/chain/lock combos, and still get paranoid about their bike getting nicked in the dead of night. Expensive bicycles are kept indoors. To have a secure shed, you start with a metal one bolted to a concrete base.

Anyway, condensation is likely to be an issue, so I'd be wary of that, though at least winter is over now.

[Adjee]

Rig up a Bisley Alarm Mine (or two?) or anything similar, they work a treat (just remember to disable them when you need access!).

[Yorkshire Andy]

Depends on the build of the shed one made out of 11mm shiplap or overlap boards is never going to be secure..... Especially with the inch by 2 framing


A heavyer planked shed say 20mm loglap with 2x2 framing is likely to be a bit more substantial don't forget the roof


Multiple locks will draw attention I've 2 on mine a decent padlock and a 5 lever mortice lock i used 3x fire door hinges with integral hinge bolts and long screws

[Peter]

A steel strip bolted down the inside of the door makes it difficult to prise open, and put bars down any window.

Like the alarm mine

[grenfell]

I have in the past been a victim of the light fingered scrotes . My workshop is sturdily built with two padlocks and a mortice lock on the door . The hinges have bolts rather than just screws and there are shutters on the windows and in addition there is cctv . It might depend on what you are trying to protect but for instance my power tools don't live in nice shiny OM boxes , I have cheap looking boxes made of plywood. They have proven their worth in the past being overlooked. 10 or 15L plastic paint and tile adhesive tubs make good unattractive storage.
I also have a trailer on the front of the house that holds my re-enactment gear and there's probably a five figure sum of kit in there. However , I don't lock it , one look inside and it just looks like bits of wood , canvas and a few bits of metal but nothing that looks worth stealing for a quick easy sale. It's also camouflaged which probably ironically makes it stand out more. The wheels come off it over the winter.

[GeraldTheBonzai]

Come to the conclusion that a shed is inherently insecure, but it all i've got. So bigger stronger hinges ordered, along with coach bolts to pass through the frame. Likewise, better padlock and hasp with coach bolts. Going to reinforce all the attachment points.

All the power tools out of boxes and into something less obvious. Plus anything else obvious. Not a lot I can do about the solar panels other than really bolt them down. Internally, just make it look like a basic garden shed - lawn mower and assorted crap.

I'm working on the principle that, as the shed is so close to the back of the house, anything I can do to slow someone down, whilst causing them to make a lot of noise, will hopefully put them off.

Has thought off cctv but not sure. Kind of sends the message that there are valuable inside. So less Grey Man, more Grey Shed..

[Yorkshire Andy]

Only other suggestion is a van vault or similar metal security box bolted to the floor for any valuable stuff