| Sheds and garages are often full of expensive | | | | too. Many up-and-over style garage doors are |
| garden tools and machinery, as well as bikes and | | | | easily overcome, but a padlock with a hasp and |
| other similar items. What's more, a burglar may | | | | staple on the inside is an effective way of |
| not only steal these items but can use them in | | | | improving security. Consider adding a mortice lock |
| order to gain access to the rest of your | | | | to double garage doors with a rim latch. |
| property. | | | | Another option to secure an up-and-over garage |
| The simple way to avoid having your shed or | | | | door is a garage defender lock. This is a |
| garage broken into is to make sure that it is | | | | heavy-duty metal arm, padlocked to a base plate |
| properly secured and not run down so that it acts | | | | that is bolted into the concrete outside the garage |
| as a deterrent to any potential burglar. Never | | | | door. This prevents the door from being opened. |
| leave a garage or garden shed unlocked, especially | | | | They cost around 50 pounds which is a small price |
| if it has a connecting door to the house, a thief | | | | for protecting what is kept inside your garage. |
| could get in and work on the inner door in privacy. | | | | Alternatively you can fix bolts to the runners of |
| Ensure that your shed is in good condition. Make | | | | an up-and-over garage door that can be locked |
| sure that the wall panels, door and any windows | | | | from the inside. This is a particularly good idea if |
| are strong and secure. If you your shed is in bad | | | | you tend to enter your garage from inside your |
| condition that consider that a burglar could easily | | | | home, and not from the outside. |
| gain access to it so avoid keeping valuable items | | | | If your garage door is attached to the main |
| inside, such as lawnmowers or bikes. | | | | house, ensure any connecting doors are made |
| If you do want to keep such items in your shed, | | | | secure. If your gardening equipment or tools are |
| and also for general security, then consider getting | | | | especially valuable, consider using special security |
| a strong and secure lock for the door. The fittings | | | | devices inside your shed or garage. Items can be |
| should be bolted through the shed door and | | | | locked down using chains through eyebolts |
| reinforced at the back with a steel plate. Any | | | | secured to the floor or walls. There are a number |
| hasp should have concealed screws. Padlocks used | | | | of specialist systems available for this purpose. |
| externally should be no less than 6cm wide and | | | | Consider fitting security cages inside sheds or |
| made of hardened steel. A "closed shackle" type | | | | garages and keep valuable equipment inside them. |
| is best, as thieves cannot get the likes of a | | | | It's well worth locking down ladders and tools that |
| crowbar through the shackle to break it. The | | | | could be used to break in to your house. Mark all |
| locks should have no less than five pins. | | | | your garden equipment and tools with your |
| Considering fitting any shed windows with an | | | | postcode. |
| internal grille fixed to steel plates. For sheds that | | | | Finally, check with your household insurance |
| have exterior door hinges - replace existing | | | | company that your policy includes cover for items |
| screws with security screws. They are designed | | | | stored in garages, sheds and outbuildings and |
| so that they cannot be unscrewed once they are | | | | remember, if you fail to put your equipment |
| screwed in. | | | | away or lock-up, your insurance company |
| Make sure that your garage is safe and secure | | | | probably will not pay up. |