Outbuildings security

Thefts from gardens and outbuildings has been on the rise in recent years. Which? reported that between 2012-14, 342 laptops, 387 computers and 447 phones were stolen from sheds in the London area alone. (Ref. https://conversation.which.co.uk/home-energy/shed-theft-home-insurance-valuables/)

An outbuilding can be a greenhouse, garden shed, workshop, and so on. They should all be made as secure as possible to protect from crime. Being a victim of crime can be made worse by being subject to higher insurance premiums. If correct security measures are in place, property owners can benefit from around 5% reduction in premiums.

Some measures to improve security for outbuilding entrances and property boundaries include:

• Regularly checking for damage and repairing it as soon as possible.
• Installing an alarm.
• Installing a CCTV system.
• Installing external doors with a minimum thickness of 44 mm, with securely-fixed frames.
• Ensuring the boundary is of an effective height to be secure, e.g. around 2 m high.
• Increasing fence security with anti-climb paint or 'prickler' strips along the top (these measures will require a warning sign to be visible).
• Gravel driveways and/or a driveway alarm.
• Motion sensor lights on a driveway.
• Filling gaps or extraneous access points with planted trees, a bollard or some other means of blocking.
• Tall hedges can enhance privacy, but in front gardens they can help to make intruders less visible from the street.
• Prickly plants under ground floor windows can act as a deterrent.

Some measures to improve security for outbuilding doors and windows include:

• Securely locking doors with strong padlocks (with Kitemark).
• Securing door hinges with coach bolts or non-returnable screws.
• Ensuring that exterior hinges are inaccessible from outside.
• Perspex or polycarbonate can be used as a more secure alternative material for windows.
• Net curtains or coloured film can prevent a clear view inside.
• Checking regularly for wear and tear. Replace rotten timber doors or window frames.
• If possible, consider using a mortised deadlock midway on the door, with a latch lock above it.

[edit] Find out more

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Commercial security systems.
• Embedded security: Procuring an effective facility protective security system.
• Home security solutions market.
• Hostile architecture.
• How to install an underfloor safe.
• Outbuildings.
• Perimeter security.
• Security and the built environment.
• Security glazing.
• Types of lock.

[edit] External resources

• Planning Portal - Outbuildings security