Sheducation Lesson One: Garden Security
Garden theft is a problem that occurs worldwide and can vary from small ornaments to raided sheds losing thousands of pounds worth of equipment. Lawnmowers, hedge trimmers and drills are one of the most commonly snatched items, but thieves are gaining access from poorly locked sheds, weak sheds, or sheds that are not locked at all! From 2014 - 2018, Police forces in England and Wales found an average of 22,500 shed thefts per year, which works out at 60 a day! Those that have suffered from garden theft will preach that prevention really is cheaper than the cure.
While most shed thefts are covered in home insurance policies, companies like Admiral Insurance warn that it's worth looking at your excess and what your policy will pay out in comparison to what you paid for your gardening equipment, or if you are simply covered at all. Admiral Insurance also stressed that bikes over £350 are often listed on a separate policy or as an upgrade, and some insurers may not uphold a claim unless you have proof the shed was locked and the thieves forced entry.*
So, how do you prevent garden theft?
Get a bear. Bears are scary and guard dogs are so 2013. They weigh about the same as a Gladiator Plus 2 metal garden shed - it’s the same, right?
Not convinced? Yes ok you are right, you could just get a high-security metal shed to secure your belongings in and prevent theft.
So what other security features are found in the Gladiator secure metal shed?
- Low maintenance tough galvanised steel shed with a 10-year warranty.
- Integral metal base that bolts to the ground preventing thieves from prying up the shed.
- Built from the inside-out for added security.
- Reinforced double doors and panels.
- Welded hinges for added strength.
- 5-point shed socking system with deadbolts.
- EN1303 rated pick and drill resistant lock.
- Additional steel lock shroud.
- Vented roof system to reduce shed condensation.
- Weighty construction to stop thieves pushing the shed to create gaps.
- Metal sheds can be noisy when attacked, alerting neighbours.
These garden storage security features make the Gladiator Plus 2, and our other “high-security” sheds Police approved (Secured by Design), LPCB certified and UK Locksmith approved. If you are storing bikes, ATV’s/ Quad Bikes or motorcycles you may get a discount on your insurance with one of our approved insurance partners.
On a more serious note, thieves are opportunists looking to make a quick pound, so as simple as it sounds, looks can be a big factor. If a thief sees your garden shed and decides it looks easy to break into, chances are they’ll try. Sheds like our Gladiator Plus 2 are tough looking garden sheds that not only boast an array of security features but look like a nightmare to break into. The secure, 85 stone garden shed is not going anywhere.
So what does a garden thief target?
Top 10 most common items that get stolen from sheds include:
- Power tools and drills,
- Strimmers
- Lawnmowers
- Spades
- Shears
- Fuel in can
- Bikes
- Golf clubs
- Garden ornaments
- Garden furniture
Spotlighting can be worth its weight in gold. If you have lighting on your driveway, you’ll know first-hand how startling it can be triggering it at night. So imagine if you didn’t know it was there. It’s fair to say anyone with the intention of getting into your shed is going to run a million miles. The motion sensor spotlights are available from most DIY stores.
So there’s your first of many lessons in #Sheducation. Keep an eye out for the second instalment.
To see more of our high-security garden sheds, please click here.
*Always check your insurance policy.
Sources: Admiral Garden Shed Safety Advice, Telegraph's Ways to Deter Garden Thieves, Mirror Shed Statistics
