Notes to assist you in securing outbuildings

Please remember that thieves will identify premises to attack by the outward appearance of a property. Thieves may identify these as:

• An advertised location (garden machinery centre)

• Most likely location (farm or golf course)

• Possibly location (home with nice lawn and large hedge)

The larger the premises the more likelihood of expensive equipment being stored. It is then that the thieves need to identify the location of the equipment. In most households the tools and garden equipment are kept in the garden shed or the garage, neither of these premises were designed as a secure storage area.

Thought should be given to the outward security of the premises. It has long been established that if thieves can gain easy access to the rear of the premises, the opportunity to be successful increases. Property that is surrounded by the curtilage of other dwelling tends to be more secure but if access can be gained via communal pathways, open lane or roads then extra measure needs to be taken.

Securing access by gates, fencing or protective planting that restricts entry to the areas of storage. Good lighting that remains on during hours of darkness may deter thieves from entering the area.

Put all tools away and do not leave them in insecure greenhouses, a spade is a very good lever and can force locks or open windows of a house.

Doors of the buildings that are designed to be the main point of entry need security but may not be the only weak point. Windows especially in garden sheds need extra attention and should be grilled from the inside and the view of the internal are a restricted by curtains or opaque window coverings. Sometimes entry is gained by removing roof tiles (if the reward is great enough). Consideration should be given to securing the roof space by grilling or bars. A door, as mentioned earlier is the most common point of entry. Good close shackled padlocks (enclosed in box section if possible) and hasps bolted through the door and frame should be fitted, together with metal plates used behind fittings to add strength to the wood. Hinges would benefit from security screws and bolts and on thicker doors hinge bolts.

Tools should all be post coded by a secure method (engraved or heat marked) serial and model numbers should also be recorded. Hand power tools and portable equipment should not be in open view. Items such as pedal cycles, lawnmowers and boxes with handles should be chained together and secured to a solid structure.

Finally the fitting of a good audible alarm will alert you to the fact that your premises are being attacked and may reduce the loss of your belongings and equipment. Remember, if the miscreants have had the opportunity to see your belongings and equipment (garage door left open) they may return and take advantage at any time, usually after your insurance has paid out and you have replaced the stolen items within the same building