Fences
Good rear garden fences or hedges, coupled with a side gate will help protect your shed.
When choosing the type of fence you should consider the view neighbours or the public have of the front and rear of your home. A high fence may be difficult to climb over but can stop people casually observing your house. A low fence is easy to climb over but enables everybody to see a burglar.
The type of fence that has a trellis on top is difficult to climb over, but does not obstruct visibility.
Don’t forget the benefit of exterior lighting.
Postcode It!
If your electric drill or cycle were stolen would you know its make, model or serial number? If you can find the receipt, you will probably be able to find out the make and model. Unless you’ve made a special effort to write the serial number down, your cycle would be no different than all the others stolen all over the country. If the serial number was known it could then be circulated as stolen in a similar way to a reg. number of a stolen car.
Not only are your chances of getting unidentifiable possessions returned remote, without being able to prove an item was stolen it can be very difficult to substantiate a charge against a suspect. Arresting offenders isn’t difficult, getting evidence is!
As it is usually impractical to postcode with an ultra-violet pen (because of the wear and tear an item would get with use), consider engraving the postcode.
Padlocks
A good quality hasp and staple with a padlock is important on all sheds and side doors to garages. Remember to choose a hasp and staple that is bolted through the door and frame for extra strength.
Screw Heads
Glue (“Araldite” or similar) smeared over the heads of screws in the hinges of shed doors or the side door of a garage may stop a thief from simply unscrewing them. Alternatively, replace a couple of the screws with a special type that cannot be unscrewed (sometimes called “clutch-head”, “anti-tamper” or “coffin” screws).
Windows
When your door is secure, don’t forget the windows. Perhaps the most effective way of securing a shed window is to fit internal bars or grilles.
Cycles
Always lock cycles to something fixed or bulky while in the shed or garage (ladders or workbench), and have them post-coded. Many cycle dealers provide this service for a small charge. Alternatively, contact your local police station for advice.
Lawn Mowers
Lawn Mowers can cease to be attractive to a thief if you paint your postcode and house number across the top with house paint.
Garden Tools
Don’t leave tools for the burglar about the garden, like spades, ladders, etc, and ask your neighbours not to either.
