Many people fail to secure their sheds or garages as well as their homes, often relying on weak padlocks to protect valuable items like bikes, mowers, or tools—making them an easy target for burglars who may also use shed tools to break into the main house. To improve security, first check your insurance coverage, then think like a thief: use strong padlocks with no exposed screws, secure hinges and windows, and keep doors locked at all times. Adding a battery-operated alarm, locking tools in boxes or chaining them down, covering valuables from view, and never leaving the shed open can all deter theft. Marking property with names, postcodes, or forensic IDs, photographing items, and registering serial numbers with Immobilise further aids recovery if stolen. For the best protection, a Master Locksmiths Association professional can recommend and install secure locks. The five most commonly stolen shed items are bikes, mowers, sports gear, power tools, and garden tools.