The humble garden shed has increasingly become a happy hunting ground for thieves.
With security on houses upgraded, traditional burglars are actually opting for easy pickings at the end of the garden.
The shed, garage or outbuilding - tucked away from the house is often far easier to break into, and less likely to be alarmed. However it is an Aladdin’s cave of swag and bounty for the thief. Many sheds these days carry more stock than a small hardware corner shop, with household and garden DIY power tools neatly arranged on shelves or stowed on purpose made brackets and clips.
From the villain’s perspective such items are small, lightweight and easier to make off with than a TV, computer or mini hi-fi system. Although cheaper to buy than some household items they are expensive enough to buy new that they carry a healthy second hand value and can be quite sought after. Consequently they are quite easy to "fence".
From the police point of view there is a risk that shed breaks can go unreported and not investigated. The courts may take a less serious attitude to a shed burglary - after all there is no significant threat of violence or assault to a householder. The best ploy is to defend all your property from theft.
Sheds are notoriously easy to break into. A padlock (cheap or expensive), fitted on a flimsy clasp, held by a couple of tiny screws in a soft timber doorframe offers no real protection.
Windows are even less secure. Some thieves have been known to jemmy off a whole shed panel or roof to get inside. Once in, the tools are ready to hand and unlikely to be security marked.
The only real solution is to spend a little more money. A better-designed or built shed is a good start. Then think about where the shed is sited. Consider having floodlighting illuminating that part of the garden and fitting mains or battery powered alarms. Firmly secure the shed door and windows and make sure the shed is anchored to the ground. It has been known for sheds to be lifted up and moved to gain access to the equipment inside. A good idea is to fit a wire cage inside your shed where more expensive items can be stowed and locked away. You may not be able to stop determined thieves from getting in but you can delay them getting their hands on your possessions - no thief wants to hang about longer than they have to.
Sussex Police are aware of the problem, offer some solutions and will treat a shed break-in as a genuine crime. To report a shed break in and for other non-emergency calls, telephone 0845 60 70 999.
Back to top of page...
< Pebsham Countryside Park | Winter Warmers >
This page last updated: 22/06/2005