Key facts
- Weakest point
- Supplied hasp and screws
- Best first upgrade
- Hasp, staple and closed-shackle padlock
- For bikes
- Ground anchor
Most shed break-ins are opportunistic and take seconds. The aim is not to make the shed impregnable but to make it slower and noisier to open than the next one.
In order of value
- Replace the supplied hasp with a heavy hasp and staple fixed with coach bolts, not screws.
- Fit a closed-shackle padlock — an open shackle can be cut in seconds.
- Add hinge bolts or replace exposed hinge screws with clutch-head or security screws.
- Fit a ground anchor and lock bikes and machinery to it inside the shed.
- Cover or frost windows so contents are not visible.
- Add a battery shed alarm and a motion-activated light nearby.
Also check your home insurance. Many policies limit cover for items in outbuildings, and some require a specific lock standard for bikes to be covered at all.
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