Garage and shed burglary is on the rise. It does seem like an obvious, as these areas are often less vigilantly protected than the areas of the home that we occupy and present the option of danger to our family. However, as far as property value goes, garages often house our cars (for many the second highest valued items you'll ever purchase.) If there is no car in the garage, you might have the man cave, fully decked out with a Kegerator and flat screen, or the camping, sports, and entertaining items like the fine china. A recent survey found that 24.3 percent of those surveyed have had goods stolen from an outside area like a garage, shed or carport.
Protect your exterior areas like garages and sheds
The reality is, thieves are looking for the easiest way in. If you house is wrapped up like a new born baby and the shed is sitting there with just a shut door, it's an obvious choice. The things found in a shed are often high value items, things like ladders, bolt cutters and crowbars that can assist breaking into the main house or both.
Here are some tips to keep in mind for outdoor storage from ADT Security Australia:
Check the locks
- Make sure that your shed and garage are fitted with secure locks, preferably one that is unable to be cut with bolt cutters.
- Choose the best quality locks you can afford, such as sturdy padlocks or bolts.
- Check that shed doors and door hinges aren’t loose. Consider fitting them with coach bolts or non-returnable screws.
- Ensure that the shed doors are in good condition and strong enough to withstand attempted forced entry.
- If you have a garage that provides direct access into your home, consider an automated door that can also be locked remotely using a smart device.
Rethink the storage of valuable items
- Don’t leave items such as sharp tools, ladders or gardening equipment lying around as these can be used to gain access to your property.
- If possible, keep expensive items such as power tools and golf clubs inside the home. Alternatively store them in a locked cupboard or a bolted toolkit so they are out of sight.
- Extend your alarm system sensors to include detached areas such as sheds and garages.
Other practical tips
- Chain items, such as bikes to each other or a strong anchor point.
- Label and record serial numbers of expensive property, such as gardening equipment or power tools, to make them less attractive to burglars, and allowing for easy identification if stolen.
- Make sure your household insurance covers your shed and garage contents.
These extra steps can make a big difference in more than one way. First off, if a burglar can't see expensive items easily accessible at your home but they do at the neighbor's house, they'll probably pass you by. Second, if they can see through a window and the bikes are chained, and everything looks like too much effort to get to, again, they'll move on. And finally, if your alarm system is clearly marked and there are sensors in these areas that are often overlooked, again, it's a sign to a would be thief that they are not welcome and your home is not worth the effort.
For more information give us a call today at 1-800-310-9490 or set up a FREE home security review and have a security professional assist you in setting up a security plan that works for you and your family.
