When it comes to investing in home security, it’s all too easy to neglect security measures for your garden sheds and granny flats. As these structures typically aren’t connected to your home, it’s easy for break-ins to go undetected until it’s too late and all your tools and gardening supplies have been stolen.
Thankfully, high-performance home security essentials are more accessible now than ever before, thanks in part to continuing developments in smart home technologies like cameras, and the evolution of locks, hinges, and even security windows. Here are just some of the key security investments and methods for effectively securing your garden sheds and granny flats.
1. Upgrade your locks
If your padlocks or keyholes are rusty and insecure, then you’re definitely in need of some upgrades. Locks provide a secure access point for your garden sheds and granny flats, and the more sophisticated the locks, the harder they’ll be to bypass for unauthorised persons.
If you feel your property could benefit from new locks, be sure to hire a locksmith to securely update your locks and padlocks. Your locksmith may even be able to set you up with some digital smart lock solutions to provide that extra layer of security. Digital locks may be able to send app notifications that alert you to potential security breaches – much like a video doorbell.
2. Secure your hinges
Even if your locks are sturdy, trespassers may still be able to gain access to your sheds by kicking down doors with weak or poorly installed hinges. Fittingly, the first step in evaluating the health of your door hinges is simply making sure the screws aren’t so loose that your door could be busted down with a few well-placed kicks.
Make sure you’re also using quality screws that are durable and strong. Conclude your hinge inspection by checking to see if your door hinge has any rust or any signs or breakage. If signs of rust or corrosion are clearly visible, then replace your door hinges immediately.
3. Install shatterproof glass
If an intruder has no luck with your door, their next target is likely to be your window. Yes, shattering glass can generate enough noise to wake you up and prompt you to look outside your bedroom window to see who’s breaking into your shed. But a determined burglar could still give this tactic a go and be able to run off with some expensive tools or equipment before you manage to get out your back door.
To prevent shed break-ins or having to clean up shattered glass and replace windows after a break-in, you’ll want to invest in shatterproof glass, which is also known as laminated glass. Whilst laminated glass isn’t entirely ‘shatterproof’, it boasts improved resistance to the application of force. Laminated glass will also only ‘shatter’ in large chunks, making it easier and safer to clean in the unlikely event that it does shatter before you’re able to run downstairs and chase away your trespasser.
4. Have plant defences
If you don’t want to splurge on new glass for your windows, you could always just…plant a tree?! Surprisingly, defensive plants (like thick, scratchy blackberry bushes) can dissuade prospective trespassers from gaining unauthorised entry into your garden sheds and granny flats. The logic here is simple: crawling through a thorny bush just to gain access to a window or just to position yourself in a suitable angle to break down a doorway just isn’t worth the potential physical harm that burglars may cause for themselves.
5. Position security cameras
The goal of an intruder is to go in, steal as many valuables as necessary and then leave undetected. The worst thing that can happen for them is to get caught. You can use that fear of getting caught to make them question whether your property is worth targeting in the first place. And the most obvious sign that they could get caught are well-placed security cameras.
When we say ‘well-positioned’, we mean that you should ideally place security cameras in strategic locations where the intruder’s face and build can be seen. Additionally, make sure the positioning of your CCTV cameras possesses as few blind spots as possible to maintain comprehensive surveillance.
6. Station motion sensor lights
To further deter the intrusion, we also recommend installing motion sensor floodlights in your garden that will flash on if they detect any activity around your garden shed or granny flat. Having motion sensor lights will be sure to spook any intruders that try to gain entry in the quiet evening hours. If they planned to remain undetected under the cover of darkness, the sudden flicker of light will catch them off guard. They would think that they’ve been caught and will attempt to escape to avoid getting caught. Essentially, motion sensor floodlights are testament to the age-old adage that the best offence is a good defence.
7. Set up alarms
Similar to motion sensor lights, having alarms can scare intruders into running away if they manage to break down a door or window. This is because the loud noise and the sudden light emitted by the alarm is sure to wake anybody up. Even the neighbours will know that something is wrong.
Alarms are also vital for granny flat security as they’ll help provide the ultimate peace of mind for any occupants of this space. Simply put, if you’re aiming to lease out your granny flat for a little rental income, you’ll want to do right by your tenant by making sure you’ve invested in their accommodation security.
8. Keep track of your shed contents
What if you’ve already fallen victim to a break-in? You’d be surprised by just how many home burglaries actually go undetected, and all because you weren’t aware of what you were keeping in your shed in the first place. This is why it’s well worth keeping your shed organised as well as keeping an up-to-date inventory of everything you’re storing in your shed.
The best way to keep track is to have a list of all your shed’s contents that includes an overview of where each item can be found. To take it to the next level, you can even give your items serial numbers on a spreadsheet and place pictures next to it, or develop a classic tool hanging rack with clear outlines so that you can see at a glance if any item is unaccounted for. These measures can help reduce your risks of your property becoming a repeat target for some opportunistic thieves.
9. Keep track of your keys
If you’re the type to hide your shed keys under a rock or a flower pot, you might need to rethink your hiding spot because those are the first places an intruder would think to look for a key hidey hole. In truth, it’s best to store your spare keys safely inside your house, or at the very least in a specialty key safe that can only be accessed with a combination code (that’s also updated regularly, if possible).
It’s also advised that you stay aware of exactly how many key copies you’ve produced, and where each set may be. If one of your keyholders happens to lose their key, the safest solution is to replace your lock and supply your household with updated keys. There are some risks that your property insurance may not cover a break-in if the burglar was able to gain access to your shed via a key, as your insurance provider may regard this as negligence on your part.
10. Update your insurance
Finally and speaking of insurance, some providers may allow you to add shed or granny flat to your home insurance policy. If you’re able to make this addition, it can definitely provide an extra level of security to your sheds or other external structures on your property.
Pro tip: if you work in trade industries, you may be able to secure your tools through tradie insurance instead. Be sure to read up on the insurance policies available to you to make sure you qualify for the policy that’s most suitable in cost and coverage.
Secure the right security solutions for your garden shed
Using these tips, you can fortify your defences to make sure that all the valuables in your garden sheds and granny flats stay safe. Be sure to assess all the recommendations we’ve made here today to determine which will be the best fit for your property.
And remember that your safety and the safety of your family far outweighs any material possessions. If there are intruders breaking into your property, do not immediately rush to intervene because they might carry weapons and harm you. Carefully evaluate whether you can handle them. And if not, contact your local authorities to have them handle the situation. With CCTV and other security measures in place, you should have plenty of evidence to support any police proceedings following a burglary or attempted break-in.
