Sheds are full of things thieves love, such as bikes, power tools and mowers, and they’re often protected by nothing more than a flimsy latch and a cheap padlock. The good news? Most shed break-ins are opportunistic, so making yours a bit harder than next door’s goes a long way.
1. Swap the hasp
Most sheds come with a thin hasp held on by short screws, which can be prised off in seconds. Fit a heavy-duty hasp and staple with coach bolts or security screws that can’t be undone from outside.
Heavy-duty hasp
TERF Heavy Duty Hasp and Staple Set Black 190mm Security Door Padlock
A chunky hasp and staple set that’s far tougher than the one your shed came with.
- Heavy-duty steel
- Fixings included
- Cheap, quick upgrade
2. Use a decent padlock
Pick a closed-shackle padlock with a good security rating. Cheap padlocks can be snapped with bolt cutters.
3. Add a padbolt
A Brenton-style padbolt at the top or bottom of the door adds a second locking point and stops the door being levered open.
Brenton padbolt
Merriway BH01738 Type 2A Heavy Duty Brenton Bolt Padbolt, 150mm
A heavy-duty padbolt for a second lock point. Great on double doors.
- Second locking point
- Strong steel
- Easy to fit
4. Fit a shed alarm
A loud, battery-powered alarm with a motion sensor is one of the best deterrents. Nobody hangs around once a 100dB+ siren goes off.
Best shed alarm kit
Yale Mini Wireless Alarm Kit – 130 dB siren, Motion Detector, 4 digit
Yale’s mini alarm kit with a PIN pad, motion detector and loud siren. Simple to set up and no wiring.
- Very loud siren
- Motion detector
- No wiring needed
5. Light it up
A solar motion-sensor light above the door means no-one can work on your lock in the dark, and it’s handy for you on winter evenings.
Solar security light
Outdoor Solar Powered Security Lights – 288 LED Solar Outdoor Garden
Bright, motion-activated and solar-powered, so no cables to run to the shed.
- Motion sensor
- Solar powered
- Bright LEDs
6. Cover the windows
If thieves can’t see what’s inside, they’re less likely to bother. Frosted window film is cheap and takes minutes to fit.
7. Secure the hinges
Replace exposed hinge screws with coach bolts or non-return screws, so the door can’t be taken off from the outside.
8. Lock up what’s inside
Chain bikes to a ground anchor, and lock mowers and power tools to each other or to the frame. Mark valuables with your postcode.
9. Choose a secure shed in the first place
Windowless sheds, metal sheds and those with heavy-duty doors are all harder to get into. Our material comparison covers security for each.
10. Check your insurance
Many home insurance policies cover shed contents, but only if the shed’s locked, sometimes with a specific type of lock. Check the small print.
Browse all shed security and accessories, or see our bike stores for safer cycle storage.
