Photo: Breno Santos

How do you burglar proof a shed?

Secure Your Shed: Five Tips to Prevent Theft Step One: Lock Your Shed Securely. When not in use, your shed should remain locked. ... Step Two: Optimize Your Yard for Security. ... Step Three: Cover Your Shed's Windows. ... Step Four: Secure Ladders on Your Property. ... Step Five: Organize Your Shed With Security in Mind.

vectorsecurity.com - Secure Your Shed: Five Tips to Prevent Theft

How big is a backyard shed?

It is hard to determine the average size of storage sheds, but the most common sizes range from 48 to 288 square feet. With medium options being...

Last updated Apr 22, 2018

Is it cheaper to buy or build your own shed?

If you've been wondering is it cheaper to build your own shed, you'll discover that yes, it is less expensive to build your own shed than to...

Last updated Dec 28, 2018

Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

This post was originally published on May 5, 2015 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Sheds frequently house out-of-season—but valuable—items, like motor vehicles, bikes, lawn equipment and toys. Sheds may also contain tools that could enable a burglar to break into your main home and cause more damage. For these reasons, your shed should receive the same level of security as the rest of your house—whether it’s attached or at the edge of your property.

A few simple safety precautions can protect your shed against vulnerabilities.

Step One: Lock Your Shed Securely

When not in use, your shed should remain locked. However, with today’s technology, burglars can find hacks to break traditional locks with a quick search on the Internet. Multiple sites explain how to hack past common padlocks sold in stores. Consider installing smart locks on your shed that can be controlled with your mobile app. This is a simple way to effectively secure your belongings. Ensure your lock is up to the job. Especially with wooden sheds, it’s important that the hardware surrounding the lock is sturdy and cannot be easily ripped off. As a general rule, the screws that fasten your lock’s hardware should go in at least 1 to 1.5 inches.

Step Two: Optimize Your Yard for Security

To further deter burglars, consider installing motion sensors and video surveillance cameras. These safety measures will deter criminals looking to stay out of sight and will also allow you to identify trespassers. Additionally, you can schedule outdoor lights to turn on in the evening—regardless of whether someone is home. Lights eliminate dark hiding places and will illuminate anyone who crosses your property’s threshold.

Step Three: Cover Your Shed’s Windows

Many burglars will window shop to determine whether contents are worth the break-in. If your shed has windows, cover them with paper or curtains, or have them frosted. For added protection, install impact-resistant windows or glass-break sensors.

Step Four: Secure Ladders on Your Property

Be sure to have ladders securely stored out of sight. Criminals can use ladders to break into windows near the top of your shed or the second floor of your home. Make ladders harder to access by keeping them chained or locked within your shed.

Step Five: Organize Your Shed With Security in Mind

Use an organizer or cubby system with locks to keep dangerous tools out of sight. Lock tools that could facilitate a home break-in, such as crowbars, saws and bolt cutters. Keep bulky or heavy items against windows to make it harder for burglars to reach in. An organized shed will also help you identify what has been taken in the event of a break-in. For more information on home security, and to discuss solutions to protect your property, contact a Vector Security professional today.

What can I do with large wood slices?

17 Amazing Wood Slice Craft Ideas Cut a groove into the top of a wood slice and it's perfect for propping up this cute (and free) desktop calendar....

Last updated Apr 7, 2021

Which direction should a barn face?

“Siting a barn is always location specific, but generally we see structures facing in the east/west direction,” Benoit says. “Positioning your...

Last updated Jun 25, 2019

Promotion

Where to store tools when you don't have a garage?

Labeled shoe boxes or sturdy gift boxes are perfect for miscellaneous tools and hardware. Clear plastic boxes or stackable utility bins are also great solutions. And a basic pegboard with hooks for hanging tools is a good way to use vertical wall space. It also makes it easy to see everything.

washingtonpost.com - How to store 'garage' items without a garage - The Washington Post

More from The Home You Own

The Home You Own is here to help you make sense of the home you live in. DIYs you can actually do yourself: Don’t be intimated by those home projects. Consider which renovations add the most value to your home (including the kitchen and bathroom), what you can actually get done in a weekend, and everything in between. Your home + climate change: Whether you’re trying to prepare your home for an electric vehicle or want to start composting, we’re here to help you live more sustainably. Plants and pets: Your furry friends and greenery add more life to your spaces. For your green thumb, find tips for saving money on houseplants and how to keep your plants alive longer. Pets can make a house a home, but stopping your cats from scratching the furniture isn’t always easy. Keeping your home clean and organized: We breakdown the essential cleaning supplies you need, and point out the 11 germy spots that are often overlooked. Plus, hear hacks from professional organizers on maximizing counter space, Maintaining your home: Necessary home maintenance can save your thousands in the long run. From gutter cleaning and preparing your fireplace for winter, to what to do if your basement floods. Contact us: Looking to buy your first home? Do you have questions about home improvement or homeownership? We’re here to help with your next home project.

Should I carpet a music studio?

Carpet, for instance, is not recommended. Not only does is wear out quickly and hold dirt and dust, but it absorbs only high and medium sound waves...

Last updated Jun 5, 2022

Is it cheaper to drywall or shiplap?

Drywall panels are cheaper than shiplap per sq. ft., but once you factor in the cost of installation, shiplap usually comes out ahead as the more...

Last updated Oct 9, 2019

Promotion

What wood should not be used for cutting boards?

Avoid woods that are soft, porous, or toxic for cutting boards. Softwoods include balsa, cedar, juniper pine, redwood spruce, and Douglas fir....

Last updated Jul 8, 2020

Promotion

What size building is exempt from planning permission?

Extensions smaller than 40 square metres The floor area of any extension above ground level must not exceed: 12 square metres for terraced or semi-...

Last updated Jun 19, 2019