Garden Essentials
It may not seem obvious, but protecting your garden not only keeps bikes and other valuables safe, but can also stop burglars accessing tools to get into your home.
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Many people don’t secure their shed, garage or outdoor furniture in the same way they would their homes - often using an easy-to-break lock or padlock to protect valuable contents such as a car, bike or lawnmower. We recommend that you should check that your insurance covers the contents of your shed or outbuildings from theft.
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1. Lock Your Garden Gates
Keep side gates locked at all times. Open gates mean burglars can easily access your home without being seen by passers-by or neighbours.
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2. Security Motion Light
installing an outside security light so that intruders can’t approach without being seen. This subsequently catches the burglar off guard, putting them off the criminal intent.
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3. Lock Everything Away Securely Out of Sight
Make sure you put your valuables out of sight in a garage or anchored outbuilding. Small tools can be locked inside a locker or box. We recommend using steel shackle and anti-corrosion body padlocks. Larger tools can be secured with a strong lockable cable. Secure your bike, we recommend using a bike lock to secure it to a fixed feature within an outbuilding or garage.
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Recommended bike locks:
It’s worth having a good weather resistant padlock on the door with no exposed screws. Pay attention to hinges, as these are sometimes easily removable. If you have windows then these could be vulnerable, so please see our advice on window security.
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It may sound like stating the obvious, never leave your garage or shed door unlocked if you are not around.
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4. Securing Outdoor Items
We recommend securing outside valuables such as outdoor furniture or tools fixed to an anchor point by using a lockable cable or for a stronger cable, use the python lockable cable.
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