Rural Crime Prevention

Rural South

Many people don’t secure their shed or outbuilding in the same way they do their homes - often using an easy-to-break lock or padlock to protect valuable contents such as a lawnmowers, power tools and, in farming areas like ours, quad bikes.

An opportunistic burglar will try a shed or garage first because they can find the tools they need to break into the main house.

Here are a few helpful tips:

Check that your insurance covers the contents of your shed or outbuildings from theft.

Take a look at your shed and consider how you would break in. It’s worth having a good padlock on the door with no exposed screws. Pay attention to hinges, as these are sometimes easily removable. If you have windows then these could be vulnerable unless they’re secured with wire mesh or grills. And keep it locked at all times.

Consider a battery-operated shed alarm. They look low key but they respond to movement or door contact with an extremely loud siren.

Don’t give them the opportunity or the tools to commit a crime. Lock everything away securely. Tools can be locked inside a locker or box or secured with a chain.

Although it might sound like stating the obvious, never leave your garage or shed door unlocked if you’re not around. Keep the door closed between uses so that no one can see what's inside. 

Property mark your items and take photographs of them. Some tools can be painted with your name or postcode and forensic marking is also an option.

PCSO 6575 French