Shed & Outbuilding Security: Don't Forget These Often-Targeted Areas
Your home is your castle, and you've likely taken steps to secure the main building. But what about your shed, workshop, garage, or other outbuildings? These detached structures are often treasure troves for thieves, packed with valuable tools, expensive equipment, bikes, and seasonal items. Unfortunately, they're frequently overlooked when it comes to security, making them prime targets.
It's time to extend your security mindset beyond your four walls. Protecting these vulnerable spots doesn't have to be complicated or break the bank. Let's explore essential strategies to bolster your shed and outbuilding security.
Why Sheds and Outbuildings Are So Appealing to Thieves
Understanding the "why" helps us fortify the "how":
Lower Perceived Risk: Thieves often assume outbuildings have less sophisticated security than the main house.
Valuable Contents: Tools, power equipment, bicycles, ATVs, and even stored fuel can be easily resold.
Reduced Visibility & Noise Cover: Sheds are often located further from the main house, sometimes obscured by fences or landscaping, meaning a break-in might go unnoticed.
Tools for Further Crimes: Ironically, thieves might use tools stolen from your shed to then break into your home or a neighbor's property.
Layering Your Defenses: Essential Shed & Outbuilding Security Strategies
A multi-layered approach is always best. Think of it as creating rings of security that a potential intruder would have to bypass.
1.Fortify the Physical Structure:
Doors are Key: Ensure your shed door is solid and the frame is sturdy. Upgrade to heavy-duty hinges (ideally with non-removable pins) and consider a strong hasp and staple secured with coach bolts. A high-quality, weather-resistant padlock is crucial. For a step up, look into mortise locks or deadbolts designed for outbuildings.
Window Wisdom: If your shed has windows, ensure they're locked. For basic windows, simple sash jammers can add significant strength. Consider reinforcing glass with security film or installing internal grilles or bars. Opaque film or curtains can also prevent prying eyes from seeing what's inside.
Roof & Walls: Periodically inspect the roof and walls for any weak spots or damage that could be exploited.
2. Deterrence is Powerful:
Lighting it Up: Motion-activated security lights are a fantastic deterrent. No thief wants a spotlight suddenly shining on them. Position lights to cover access points and blind spots.
Landscaping with Security in Mind: Trim back overgrown bushes or trees that could provide cover for intruders. Consider planting thorny bushes like hawthorn or berberis near vulnerable areas.
Visible Alarm Systems & Signage: A Kangaroo Yard Sign clearly indicates your property is protected. Even if your shed isn't directly wired into a main system, the presence of the sign can make a thief think twice.
3. Embrace Smart Security Technology – The Kangaroo Advantage:
This is where Kangaroo Home Security truly shines, offering affordable, DIY solutions perfect for sheds and outbuildings.
Kangaroo Motion + Entry Sensor: This compact, versatile sensor is ideal for shed doors and windows. It will detect both motion inside the shed and the opening of a door or window, sending an instant alert to your smartphone. Place one inside, covering the main entry point.
Explore: Kangaroo Motion + Entry Sensor
Kangaroo Outdoor Camera: Keep an eye on the exterior of your shed day and night. With motion detection, night vision, and two-way talk, the Kangaroo Outdoor Camera allows you to see who's lurking and even warn them off from your phone.
Kangaroo Siren + Keypad: If a sensor is tripped, a loud siren can scare off intruders and alert you or your neighbors. The Kangaroo Siren + Keypad integrates seamlessly with your other Kangaroo devices.
No Wi-Fi in the Shed? No Problem (for some sensors): While cameras need Wi-Fi, our standalone sensors like the Motion + Entry Sensor can operate effectively, sending alerts when your phone comes back into range if placed strategically, or trigger a local siren. For full real-time alerts, ensuring Wi-Fi reach or using a Wi-Fi extender is recommended.
Affordable Monitoring: For ultimate peace of mind, consider Kangaroo's professional monitoring plans. If a sensor is triggered, our team can dispatch emergency services if needed.
Learn More: Kangaroo Security Plans
4. Secure Your Valuables Inside the Shed:
Lock 'Em Down: Use heavy-duty chains and locks to secure expensive items like bikes, mowers, and high-end power tools to fixed anchor points within the shed.
Mark Your Property: Engrave your tools and equipment with your zip code or a unique identifier. This makes them harder to sell and easier to recover if stolen.
Keep an Inventory: Take photos and make a list of valuable items stored in your outbuildings, including serial numbers. This is invaluable for insurance claims.
5. Don't Forget Insurance:
Check your homeowner's insurance policy to understand what coverage you have for outbuildings and their contents. There might be limits, so ensure your coverage is adequate. Reputable sources like the Insurance Information Institute can provide general guidance on homeowners insurance.
Taking Action for a More Secure Shed
Your shed and outbuildings contain more than just "stuff"—they hold tools for your hobbies, equipment for your livelihood, and items that contribute to your family's lifestyle. Protecting them is an essential part of comprehensive home security.
With a combination of physical reinforcements and smart, affordable technology from Kangaroo Home Security, you can significantly reduce the risk of theft and gain valuable peace of mind.
Ready to secure your shed? Explore Kangaroo's range of easy-to-install and effective security solutions today! Start with a Motion + Entry Sensor or an Outdoor Camera and build the perfect system for your needs.
