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] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Commercial security systems.
- Electric lock.
- Embedded security: Procuring an effective facility protective security system.
- Entry control.
- 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
Featured articles and news
Combating burnout.
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.