If you have a shed in your backyard, chances are there's a lot more than just garden tools in there. For most people, the backyard shed is a catch-all for anything that doesn't fit in the house or garage. Lawn mowers, chain saws, bicycles, hand tools, golf clubs and hockey equipment all have a way of winding up in the shed. The replacement cost for most of these items can be pricey. That's why Halifax District RCMP is encouraging people to make sure their sheds are secure.
A good place to start is with the lock. The better the quality, the harder it is for a burglar to get in. Thieves who steal from sheds tend to be opportunistic and are likely to be deterred by a shed with a good quality padlock. It's important to ensure the hasp is properly installed.
Proper lighting can also serve as a good deterrent. Motion sensing lights and other types of security lighting are always good investments for people looking to protect their property. It's also a good idea to maintain open lines of site by trimming lower branches from trees and keeping hedges neat. A criminal is less likely to enter onto a property where there is nowhere to hide.
It's important for people to check the physical structure of the shed itself. All buildings deteriorate over time, regardless of how well they're constructed. Boards become loose, and wood casings around the doors and windows rot. Eventually, a shed can even become detached from its base, making it easy for a thief to gain access to the goods inside simply by knocking the shed over.
As with any type of home protection, the more people watching the property, the better. Take the time to introduce yourself to your neighbours. Encourage them to call police if they see something suspicious happening on your property, and do the same for them.
It may seem like an inconvenience to have to secure a shed, but chances are, it's far less troublesome than having to replace the items inside.
