A premium wooden security shed

Shed security has always been one of the key considerations when maintaining or purchasing a garden shed. Garden tools, bicycles and luxury outdoor furniture are like magnets to thieves, and if you don’t secure your shed then you’re asking for trouble.

Let’s take a look at how to secure a shed and various ways you can improve your shed security and safeguard those valuable stored items. Of course, although this article focuses on sheds, the same security principles apply to summer houses, log cabins, garden offices, and other garden buildings.

Editor’s Note [14.12.23]:

Our article about beefing up shed security was originally published in January 2018. Extra depth has been added to each of the six sections detailing how to enhance shed security. In addition, we have added a list of 10 items to ensure you are covered by your insurance.

Ways to Beef Up Your Garden Shed Security

There are several proven techniques to improve security for sheds. Read all these shed security tips below to learn about how to secure a shed:

Assumption: some of these shed security tips only apply to a wooden shed and would be impractical to apply if you own a plastic shed or metal shed.

1)    Think About Your Shed’s Location

The best possible location for a shed is in clear view of the house, and not hidden behind anything that might provide a thief with cover.

Next, pay attention to your shed’s immediate vicinity. Long grass or bushes might act as a hiding place, so be sure to cut back vegetation accordingly. That said, a prickly plant is an extremely unpleasant hiding place and so a potentially useful (as well as beautiful) addition to your garden.

In addition to this, consider the accessibility of your shed. Avoid placing it too close to gates or fences where intruders can quickly escape. Also, think about the path leading to the shed; a gravel path can be noisy underfoot, alerting you to any unwelcome visitors. 

A wooden security shed with a pent roofA wooden security shed with a pent roof

A well-thought-out shed location, complemented by strategic landscaping, not only enhances security for sheds but also adds to the aesthetic appeal of your garden.

We also recommend your shed is within sight of a motion triggered security camera (if you have one). Position security cameras high up where it cannot be tampered with.

Timber boards, a hammer and nailsTimber boards, a hammer and nails

2)    Repair and Maintenance of Your Shed

Regular ongoing maintenance is recommended when you own a shed – this is for common-sense reasons and not just garden shed security. Poorly maintained sheds will develop structural weaknesses that can be targeted by thieves.

Now is the time to give your shed a MOT. This (as with a car) is an annual check of your entire shed from the base to the roof. Check and repair any holes, cracks, or gaps as these are entry points for many thieves.

Check for and fix broken slats as you find them. These are an easy way for thieves to gain entry to your shed.

Tighten loose screws and ensure that all shed fixtures and fittings are completely secure. Include in this window latches as well as door handles.

Replace any broken door hinges. If a door does not close properly, it is naturally an inherent security risk. If necessary, although expensive, consider replacing your shed door.

3)    Modify Your Shed

Hidden hinges, also known as shed security hinges, are an excellent addition to any shed. These hinges are a smart upgrade to a door hinge, providing an extra layer of security because they are not visible from the outside, making it harder for someone to tamper with them. Fitting hidden hinges immediately removes a potential weakness from your shed door. When it comes to securing your shed, the door is your first line of defence. Strengthening it with these hinges is a simple yet effective measure.

Another option for your door is a security bar, which is a robust metal bar fixed across the door to prevent forced entry. It acts as an additional layer of protection, making it significantly harder for intruders to break into your shed.

A hidden piano hinge on a shed doorA hidden piano hinge on a shed door

Shed windows are another vulnerable spot. They are often the weakest point in garden shed security, offering an easy way for any determined intruder to gain access. Replacing conventional glass windows with unbreakable styrene is a good security measure. This material is much tougher than standard glass, significantly reducing the risk of break-ins and glass shattering.

Your shed will still enjoy natural light but there’s no danger, whatsoever, of the windows being smashed. This means you can have the best of both worlds – light without the security risk. If you use your shed only for storage, you can exclude windows entirely and do not need any windows at all. Stick-on, opaque security sheets work well for this.

Privacy film, spray-on frosting and opaque glass are other sensible security precautions as they deter prying eyes. They obscure the view inside your shed, keeping your valuable tools and equipment out of sight and out of mind.

In addition to these modifications, consider installing motion-sensor lighting around your shed. Bright security lights deter criminals and alert you to any activity around your shed. Keeping the area well-lit is a simple yet effective way to boost security for sheds. Mains, battery, and solar powered security lights are all options.

A security alarm padlock and keysA security alarm padlock and keys

4)    Shed Locks and Alarms

A high security shed lock is a must-have shed security measure.

A robust lock alone can mean the difference between having your shed robbed or not. First, a robust lock is essential, once in place you need to ensure it is both strong and built to last. You can as an additional layer of security, also bike lock items together, so if intruders gain access, it is harder for them to carry valuables away. Similarly, ring bolts attached to floors or walls can be used for securing valuable equipment.

Your shed may already have a lock, but an additional heavy duty padlock never goes amiss. Why a second lock, you may ask? Well, it is twice the level of security locks and acts as a proven deterrent to most thieves.

Alarms are also an excellent idea. Intruders love to act in secret and a blaring shed alarm is all that is needed to send them away whilst alerting you and neighbours to a potential security breach. Some alarms also have remote viewing and notification functionality, which means you can add an extra layer of security for sheds even when you are away.

To benefit from both, simply purchase a padlock with a built-in alarm. This is in its own way an innovative security solution, which combines the best of a padlock and an alarm, dual security protection for your shed.

5)    Underfloor Locking Kits

If your shed’s external defences are breached, there is still a way to protect your valuable property. If the worst happens and thieves gain entry, underfloor locking kits are a great idea and act as a last line of defence.

Underfloor locking kits provide immovable anchor points for securing valuable equipment, such as bikes, mowers, and tools.

They are designed for use in conjunction with chains, cables, and padlocks, and come in a range of sizes.

Buy the 5ft Bull Security StrongHold Underfloor Locking Kit nowBuy the 5ft Bull Security StrongHold Underfloor Locking Kit now

6)    Security Sheds

If you’re in the market for a new shed and security is a key consideration for you, consider buying a specialist security shed.

These sheds offer you everything that you’d expect from a premium garden storage shed but have a particular emphasis on safeguarding valuable items.

In security sheds, breeze blocks can be used to reinforce the shed's base, adding stability and deterring burglars from trying to lift or move the structure. They also provide extra weight and solidity to the shed, making it more robust and less prone to break-ins.

Metal sheds are considered the most secure. You can view all our metal sheds here.

If you prefer plastic sheds or wooden sheds, look for windowless models or highline glazing.

Here are three of the best security sheds:

A green metal security shed, with a bike propped against the doorA green metal security shed, with a bike propped against the door

1.   7x7 Asgard Gladiator Police Approved Security Metal Shed

This metal shed is built in the UK from heavy-duty, reinforced galvanised steel panels.

The reinforced double doors feature an unprecedented 5-point locking security system to keep thieves out.

It’s no wonder this security shed is endorsed by the police, the UK Locksmiths’ Association, and insurance companies.

View the Gladiator here.

2.    10' x 10' Shire Premium Security Apex Wooden Garden (2.99m x 2.99m) Shed

Imagine a wooden security shed, crafted not just for storage, but with an intelligent, security-focused design in mind. Picture this: a raised row of windows, positioned perfectly to let in light while keeping your stored items out of sight. This security shed is constructed from superior 12mm shiplap tongue and groove cladding on a robust 44mmshed frame.

It is the ideal solution for secure outdoor storage, be it garden equipment or bicycles. What makes this shed even more appealing is the key-operated lock, ensuring your expensive tools stay safe and away from unwanted attention. Additionally, the door features a full-length piano hinge, cleverly designed without external fixings. This thoughtful detail means it can't be tampered with from the outside, adding an extra layer of security. In essence, it is not just a shed; it is a fortress for your garden valuables.

View the 10' x 10' Shire Premium Security Shed here.

10' x 10' Shire Premium Security Apex Wooden Garden Shed10' x 10' Shire Premium Security Apex Wooden Garden Shed
A wooden security shed with an apex roofA wooden security shed with an apex roof

3.    8x6 Traditional Apex Security Shed

If you were to picture a security shed in your mind, this wooden shed is probably what it would look like.

The single door is fully framed, ledged, braced and fitted with a security bolted padlock protector (padlock not included).

The small, fixed shed windows are positioned high on the structure, to prevent tampering and deter unwanted attention.

View the 8x6 Traditional Security Shed here.

Final Thoughts on Security for Sheds

Retrieving Stolen Property

Should the worst happen, and your prized possessions be stolen, all may not be lost.

Etching, microdot, chemical, smart water, and DNA marking are all highly effective ways to identify your property so that it can be immediately returned to you once seized by the police.

Insurance papersInsurance papers

Check Your Insurance

Our sheds now contain more valuable items than ever before, so make sure you check your home insurance policy.

If your home’s contents are covered, then make sure that your shed’s valuables are too.

That way, you can sleep soundly in the knowledge that you really do have a secure shed.

Listed below are ten popular outdoor living items you are likely to need to be insured for:

  1. Bicycles - ensure your bikes are covered, as they are often high-value items targeted by many thieves
  2. DIY supplies - stock of materials and supplies for DIY projects should also be insured
  3. Electronics - if you store electronics in your shed, they should be included in your insurance
  4. Garden decorations - often overlooked, decorative garden items can be expensive to replace
  5. Gardening equipment - lawnmowers and other gardening tools can be costly to replace without coverage
  6. Musical instruments - instruments stored in the shed need insurance due to their high value and fragility
  7. Outdoor furniture - cover your outdoor furniture to protect against theft and weather-related damages
  8. Power tools - expensive power tools in your shed require insurance against theft and damage
  9. Sports gear - protect your sports equipment like golf clubs or fishing gear under your policy
  10. Woodworking tools - if you have a woodworking hobby, these specialist tools should be insured

In Summary

Securing your garden shed is crucial, and this guide has given you the essentials to fortify it. First, choose a visible location and maintain the shed regularly to deter thieves. Upgrade with hidden hinges and reinforced windows to boost security. For better security for sheds, make sure your lock is powerful and contemplate adding an alarm, and exterior security light.

For protecting priceless belongings, underfloor locking kits are the best option. Look for security features such as metal construction or windowless designs when purchasing a new shed. For complete peace of mind, mark your valuables and confirm that the items inside your shed are insured.

Contact Us About How to Secure a Shed

Contact our expert teams today for garden shed security advice. Here at Buy Sheds Direct, we have many years of experience in how to secure a shed. Our team is here to assist with any enquiries you may have about shed’s security.

As well as having garden shed security expertise; we are also able to offer a large selection of garden sheds (plastic sheds, metal sheds, wooden sheds, etc.,) in a variety of sizes and styles.

From advice about constructing a shed base to shed accessories, we have everything you need. We are committed to providing you with top-quality solutions for garden shed security:

  • Call us - 0333 003 0514
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