Many people take their shed’s security for granted. For them, their shed is merely a storage shack to house equipment, tools, boxes or any other out-of-season junk. On a farm, the storage value of a shed sky-rockets, with hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment and livestock at stake. With so much at risk, it’s time to reconsider the way you look at the security, and think about how to secure your shed.

5 Ways to Keep Your Shed Safe and Secure

In this post, we’ll walk you through some actionable tips to reduce the risks your shed is exposed to, without breaking the bank.

1) Check for Structural Weaknesses

A well-stocked shed is a prime target for burglars. Storing your $300,000 air seeder or other high-payout items in a dodgy shed is a risk that isn’t work taking.

Inspect your shed and identify if there are any obvious weak points or damage to the exterior. Make sure you invest money in fixing obvious patches of rot in your shed since these can be easy access points for thieves to break into and vandalise. Check if all the windows are completely secured and latches or locks in good repair.

Make sure all exterior panelling is secure with no signs of damage. To prevent burglaries, install tamper-proof screws and always lock the door. You could even plant some thorny bushes around the shed to deter thieves.

2) Update the Fixings

Many shed owners witness thefts happening due to unsecured sheds. Choose sturdy, closed-shackle padlocks that are either weatherproof or rust resistant and that burglars can’t easily cut open. The tougher it is for a burglar to get into your shed, the less likely it is for them to attempt an intrusion in the first place.

Check your door’s hinges. If those are loose and exposed, it means an easy access to anyone by unscrewing the hinges. Replace those hinge/latch screws with coach bolts or carriage screws with smooth heads. These tamper-proof screws cannot be easily unscrewed; thus, making the shed entry point more secure.

3) Install Security Lighting

The cases of farm machinery theft are on rise. If you shed is devoid of proper lighting, chances are you won’t be able to see if anyone is trying to break into your shed. Invest in keeping your shed properly illuminated.

Install motion-detector lights or PIR (passive infrared) activated security light that can deter intruders, if installed in areas where the porch light doesn’t reach easily making it hard for you to keep a watch on. You can also install perimeter alarms.

The cases of farm machinery theft are on rise. If you shed is devoid of proper lighting, chances are you won’t be able to see if anyone is trying to break into your shed. Invest in keeping your shed properly illuminated. Install motion-detector lights or PIR (passive infrared) activated security light that can deter intruders, if installed in areas where the porch light doesn’t reach easily making it hard for you to keep a watch on. You can also install perimeter alarms.

4) Cover the Windows

If your shed has uncovered windows, it will be easy for people to see the valuables kept inside your shed, and that might just entice burglars to break in. If your shed has content that does not need to be exposed to natural light, you can use blackout curtains to cover up the windows.

Alternatively, you can use a low-maintenance, flexible and cost-effective privacy film that lets light in but obscures visibility. Also, solar shades offer a good option to keep your shed safe from nosey neighbours or even burglars and regulate UV ray penetration.

5) Consider Access

If you have valuable items in your shed, consider giving access to authorised people only. Or else, you risk the safety of your shed to unauthorised people who could potentially unfasten windows or jam door clasps allowing access later on. The proper access control system will prevent thieves from barging into your shed. Install high-quality locks on your door. You can also install a simple alarm system to keep criminals away from your shed.

5) Conclusion

Now that you know how to secure your shed without shelling out big bucks, it’s time for you to partner with a reliable supplier of structural steel framed buildings that will keep your shed safe and secure at all times.

If you’d like to discuss the security and safety of your shed with one of our shed specialists, give our friendly Customer Service team a call on 1300 910 353.