How Can You Make Your Shed More Secure? 10 Essential Tips

Whether it’s your workshop or a storage space, shed ownership has a wide range of benefits. However, much like our cars and homes, they are still vulnerable to theft and other safety concerns.

The good news? There are countless ways to make your shed more secure and keep your valuables protected! Read on for our ten essential tips. 

#1: Limit or Restrict Access

Obviously, how much you can restrict access depends on the location of the shed itself. Sheds that lead directly onto the street, for example, make it more difficult to restrict access.

For more secluded or backyard sheds, you could install a lockable gate or even fencing around the perimeter to provide another layer of security. If restricting physical access isn’t feasible, there are other options, such as motion-activated lighting, security cameras, or even a monitored alarm system that covers the shed area. 

Overall, these measures should make it harder for intruders to approach unnoticed.

#2: Change the Locks

Much like moving home, it’s a good idea to change the locks of your shed to keep it more secure–especially if there’s always been any suspicious activity or attempted break-ins. If the door is operated by an electric mechanism, this may mean investing in a new fob key or remote.

You could also consider upgrading to a lock system that offers better security, such as smart locks or deadbolts that are designed to resist tampering. Smart locks have the added benefit of allowing you to monitor who has access to your shed remotely. 

Remember, regularly checking and maintaining your locks is crucial. Otherwise, worn-out mechanisms could become an easy target for burglars.

#3: Invest in a New Shed

If your current shed is starting to show its age or isn’t providing the security you need, it might be time to upgrade. At Elite Garages & Barns, we specialise in high-quality, durable sheds made from Australian Bluescope Steel, designed to withstand tough conditions while keeping your valuables safe. Our sheds are ShedSafe accredited, meaning they meet rigorous safety standards, so you know you’re getting a product you can rely on.

Whether you’re after American barns or traditional storage sheds, we’ve got you well and truly covered! Our sheds come in an array of different styles, all of which are customisable to fit your specific needs. 

If you want reinforced doors, secure windows, or even a pre-installed lock system, the Elite Garages & Barns team can create the perfect solution for your property. With our locally made sheds, you’ll be starting fresh with a structure that’s built to last and designed for security.

#4: Block Out/Cover Shed Windows

Burglars are naturally drawn to opportunities that are clear and visible. Therefore, if they’re able to peek in through windows, this could pique their interest and increase the chance of theft. So, what are your options?

A practical way to prevent this is by installing frosted film or window coverings, which still allow light in while obscuring the view of your shed’s interior. Alternatively, security bars or reinforced glass can act as a physical deterrent, making it more difficult for thieves to break in through the windows. 

You could also use window alarms that trigger if the glass is tampered with, offering an additional level of protection.

#5: Secure or Remove Valuables 

While the vast majority of sheds are secure, it never hurts to play it safe. This can mean either taking valuables inside the home or implementing measures within the shed to keep them safe and secure.

You could invest in secure storage within the shed, such as a lockable cabinet or safe for more valuable items. For larger items, such as tools or bikes, chaining them to fixed points inside the shed can help prevent a quick grab-and-go theft. Always keep an inventory of what you store in your shed and regularly review its security to make sure you’re staying one step ahead of potential threats.

#6: Reinforce the Frame

A secure shed starts with a strong, reinforced frame. Over time, weather conditions and wear can weaken the structure of your shed, making it more vulnerable to break-ins or damage. Adding extra support beams or metal brackets to reinforce the frame can help prevent these issues and make your shed much more resilient. A solid frame not only boosts security but also prolongs the life of your shed, ensuring it stands strong for years to come.

Regularly inspecting the frame for any signs of weakness, especially after storms or harsh weather, is essential. Reinforcing areas that show wear or adding extra protection where needed will help keep your shed secure and stable.

#7: Choose the Right Location

The placement of your shed plays a major role in its security. Ideally, you’ll want to position it in a visible area, such as within sight of your home, while avoiding too much exposure to the street. This not only allows you to monitor it easily but also deters potential thieves by keeping it in a well-surveilled spot. If possible, avoid placing your shed too far from your home or in isolated areas where it’s harder to keep an eye on.

Additionally, consider installing motion-activated lighting around your shed, which can help deter anyone approaching at night. Proper location combined with good visibility can significantly reduce the risk of theft.

#8: Always Stay Insured

Even with the best security measures in place, it’s important to make sure your shed and its contents are properly insured. Check with your home insurance provider to see if your policy covers sheds and outbuildings, as not all do. You may need to add coverage for high-value items stored inside, such as power tools or lawn equipment. Having insurance in place offers peace of mind and financial protection should anything unexpected happen.

Keeping a detailed inventory of what’s stored in your shed, along with receipts or photos of valuable items, will make it easier to file a claim if needed. It’s a small step that can save you a lot of hassle later on.

#9: Add Extra Shed Security

While a lock on the door is a good starting point, there are many additional ways to increase your shed’s security. Adding heavy-duty padlocks, installing deadbolts, or using tamper-proof hinges can all help to deter break-ins. For added protection, you could install a steel bar across the door or secure windows with bars or shutters to make it harder for anyone to gain access.

Another good option is to buy a door with a deadbolt. This adds an extra layer of protection, as well as peace of mind that it’ll be much harder for unauthorised users to access the shed itself. Inside the shed, consider using a ground anchor to secure large items (like bikes or lawnmowers). This will make them much harder to remove quickly. 

Think about it this way; the more obstacles you create, the less appealing your shed will be to potential thieves.

#10: Get an Alarm Installed

An alarm system is one of the most effective ways to enhance shed security. Motion-sensor alarms can be installed easily and are triggered by movement, sounding a loud alert to deter intruders. For more advanced protection, you could even opt for a monitored alarm system that sends an alert to your phone or even notifies a security service if the alarm is triggered.

Smartphone connectivity is worth your consideration too! For example, there’s the option to set up and use apps for roller doors. This way, the owner is informed whenever the roller doors are opened or shut. These notifications will also pop up on the phone regardless of the location, meaning that you can easily track security concerns when you’re not at home. 

Pairing an alarm system with other security features like reinforced locks and lighting will help to establish a multi-layered approach, making your shed far less vulnerable to break-ins.

Get Quality Australian-Made Sheds at Elite Garage & Barns 

From classic to custom, we’re taking shed design to the next level. As a business, we are 100% Australian family owned and operated, as well as committed to using the highest quality materials. 

Whether you need new sheds in Geelong, Werribee, Epping, or anywhere in Victoria, Elite Garages & Barns has the best options on the market. If you need any advice or technical information, our team is more than happy to answer all of your questions. We can even assist with Building Permits and help you get approval with a quick turnaround. 

Ready to experience our Elite Service? Call 03 9369 7060 today and chat to an expert!