Garages and sheds

• Garages and sheds are often full of expensive tools to steal or use to break into the house. Do not leave a garage or garden shed unlocked, especially if it has a connecting door to the house.
• Fit strong padlocks and hardware to shed and garage doors
• Make sure that the doors are solid enough not to be kicked in.
• Fit locks or bars to windows.
• Lock ladders inside your garage or shed.
• Consider lockable steel boxes or anchor posts fitted to the floor to secure tools and equipment.
• Gardens tools and machinery should be permanently marked with your postcode.
• Install a battery or mains-powered shed alarm, available from all good DIY stores at a reasonable price.
• For extra security, replace the screws in external hinges of your shed or garage side-door with 'clutch-head' screws (also known as 'anti-tamper' or 'coffin' screws).
• Secure your wheelie bin to stop an intruder using it to climb on.