The security measures to protect your shed

TOOLS and work materials are the most commonly stolen items from garden sheds yet a quarter of shed owners do not take security measures to protect the building and its contents.

Small sheds should be anchored to the ground with a concrete base and bolts to prevent criminals from lifting the building up, keeping valuables out of sight, marking equipment and taking out shed insurance are a good idea, according to Garden Buildings Direct which has these tips to guard against thieves.

Sheds that are on the smaller side should be anchored to the ground. Casting a concrete base will allow you to secure the shed down.

Adding concrete blocks inside will make it too heavy to lift. Anchoring sheds can also involve attaching them to a wall or fence with heavy-duty bolts.

Installing security measures such as CCTV, alarms, lighting and heavy bolts can be a simple way to deter thieves from even trying to break in.

When building your shed, position it out of sight from the street to stop criminals from spotting an opportunity to steal. It is a good idea to have your shed in sight of your house or else a thief could go undetected.

Keep any valuable tools out of sight by adding a frosted film on all the shed windows. Criminals are less likely to attempt to steal anything if there is nothing for them to see.

Securing larger items together with a heavy-duty chain will make things more difficult for thieves to steal.

Using paint or permanent marker to write your name and address on any expensive tools may deter thieves as the price they can sell equipment on for will be lower.

Identifiable possessions are more likely to be returned to their owner by the police. Consider getting insurance.