Is your shed locked? Is your garage secure? Prevention is better than cure.
In the past two years, one fifth of claims made for theft1 were for items stolen from garages, sheds and outbuildings.
Darker nights mean lower visibility in your outside areas. The run up to Christmas sometimes sees a rise in burglaries. Don’t fall victim to losing your valuable possessions. Be aware.
Make sure your home insurance covers any buildings which are unconnected to your main property. We offer Home Insurance tailored to your individual needs, which can also cover adjoining or separate buildings in your property.
Many insurers recommend you insure your bicycles separately, especially if they are worth more than around £3502. Our policy however automatically covers bicycles up to £5,000, providing you with peace of mind and one less thing to worry about. Please note: E-bikes – Conditions Apply.
Guard your garages
Did you know?
Over one quarter of UK homes with a garage have been victims of theft3.
This is because burglars know that they are a ‘treasure trove’ of items which can easily be sold on. Many people don’t keep their car in the garage. Instead, they store ‘everything but the kitchen sink’ in them. This includes: gym and sports equipment, children’s toys, scooters, bikes, golf clubs, lawnmowers, ladders and tools. It’s unsurprising that thieves target garages more than any other outside building4.
Secure it
The first step in preventing thieves is securing your garage door. Effective ways of making your door difficult to break open are:
- Replace old or faulty locks with ‘up and over’ rolling deadlocking handles.
- Install a bolt known as a ‘garage door blocker’ to the ground. This fits on the exterior side of the garage door. The T-bar construction and sturdy locking system will make it nearly impossible to open the door.
Keep an eye out
In a survey by The Guardian newspaper, former thieves confirmed that CCTV is the best deterrent against burglars5.
CCTV is at its most effective when used in conjunction with security lighting. If a burglar is ‘scoping out’ your property to find what can be stolen, security lights will help ensure they don’t hang around! If CCTV is installed in a prominent position, burglars will often not even bother to attempt a break-in, choosing instead to target a less secure property.
Dog Defenders
Your canine companion can be more than a cuddly cutie. In The Guardian’s survey (cited above), ex-burglars confirmed that barking dogs are also a brilliant deterrent.
Raise the alarm
Extend your house alarms to cover your garage, shed or outbuilding. Alternatively, you can install a separate alarm for each building.
Light it up
Think of the surrounding areas in your property. Install garden lights which light your garden and driveway when it’s dark. Or invest in some motion-activated security lighting. This will illuminate hidden areas of your garden where burglars could be hiding.
Secure your shed
Sheds are also the go-to place where people pile up their possessions and often forget about them. Over 16% of shed owners have been burgled6. Make sure your shed doesn’t get forgotten about. It’s still a target for thieves.
Windows
Check your windows are secure. Replace broken or missing glass panes. Secure windows will make it harder for burglars to break into your shed and prevent damp and cold damaging your shed’s contents.
Top tip: Cover your windows with a ‘frost’ film which makes it impossible to see through but doesn’t block out the light.
Doors
Make sure the door frame is free from rot and decay. Unstable doors in a state of disrepair can easily be taken off their hinges or forced open. A watertight door will also prevent dampness in your shed. Invest in a good quality lock for your shed door – it’s well worth it.
Lock them down
Go one step further. Secure valuable tools or items by buying a heavy-duty plastic toolbox from a reputable brand. Providing a double win, they will add an extra element of security to your tools and prevent them from rusting.
More than just a storeroom
If your shed or outhouse has been transformed into a bijoux office, do consider installing security lights and its own alarm system. Even if you remove your laptop/desktop every night; office chairs, computer screens and even desk accessories can be an attractive option for burglars.
If your property has any outbuildings that are larger than a garden shed, make sure you inform your insurer.
Similarly, if you have converted your shed or outhouse into a DIY/woodworking workshop, it will no doubt house power tools and hand tools. Or if your shed is just a shed, it will still probably contain bicycles, sports equipment, a lawn mower, ladders, gardening tools, outside furniture and a barbeque. Not only are these expensive, but they are often difficult to replace.
How can you make your boundaries more secure?
Be aware of your back gate (however small or hidden) and keep it locked.
- Use good quality and robust locks and fastenings.
- Make sure hinges are secure. This will prevent your gate being lifted off the hinges.
Secure the top
Intruders can enter your property by scaling your boundary fences. Preventative measures include:
- Install trellis panels to the top of fences. Train brambles or other thorny plants to grow over the top. This can make your fences more impenetrable and enhance your privacy.
- Barbed wire or razor wire run along the top of your walls or fences is also an excellent preventative measure.
Find out more
For more information on protecting your garage, shed or outbuilding, contact our friendly team of insurance experts. Or request a quote here.
Email: info@lloydwhyte.com
1.https://www.farsight.co.uk/blog/can-your-shed-garage-security-weather-the-crime-surge/
2.https://www.insight-security.com/burglaries-prompt-shed-garage-security-warnings-from-police
3-4.https://www.comparethemarket.com/home-insurance/content/garage-and-shed-burglaries/
5.https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/aug/18/former-burglars-barking-dogs-cctv-best-deterrent
6.https://www.comparethemarket.com/home-insurance/content/garage-and-shed-burglaries/
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