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Securing a Garage or Outbuilding Gym Against Theft: Secured by Design Advice on Doors, Locks and Alarms
Free weights, racks and cardio machines are expensive, and a gym in a garage or outbuilding is a target for the same thieves who go after sheds and garages. Secured by Design (SBD), the official police security initiative, publishes practical advice on securing outbuildings and garages. This article summarises that advice and applies it to a home gym. It is general crime-prevention guidance and does not replace advice from a locksmith or an insurer.
Why outbuildings and garages are targeted
SBD says sheds and outbuildings are often targeted as an easy option and hold valuable items that can be easily sold on, including sporting equipment. It reports research showing that the average shed’s contents are valued between £1,500 and £5,000. On garages, it says they have become targets because improvements in the security of house doors and windows make a break-in to the home harder, and because more valuable items are now kept in the garage, including cycles, e-bikes, garden equipment and tools. Older single-skin metal up-and-over garage doors with one locking point are described as very easy to open or bend.
Doors and locks for an outbuilding
SBD’s advice for shed doors includes:
- Locks. If the door is of solid construction and at least 44mm thick, a mortice sash lock to BS3621 may be fitted.
- Hasp and staples. An SBD approved hasp and staples that hide the fixings when closed can be used as an alternative. Two should be fitted, one a third of the way up the door and one a third of the way down, coach bolted through the structure or secured with security or non-return screws that can only be removed with a special tool.
- Chains. A security chain can secure tools, mowers and cycles to a purpose-made shed shackle and padlock or a ground anchor fixed to the shed base. A ground anchor needs a concrete base.
Windows and visibility
SBD advises fitting weld mesh or a grille inside shed windows, screwing an unused window shut, and replacing glass panes with Perspex or polycarbonate as a more secure alternative. Items can be hidden from view with netting or a permanent spray-on frosting to the glass. This suits equipment that would otherwise be visible through glass.
Storage and marking
A strong lockable box or cage can hold small valuable items, and SBD says it should where possible be securely fixed to a solid floor or structure to stop easy removal. SBD also recommends security marking equipment using an SBD-recognised forensic asset marking or etching kit, calling it a highly effective and visible deterrent and an established method of reducing theft.
Alarms and CCTV
SBD suggests a battery-operated shed alarm, described as looking low key but responding to movement or door contact with an extremely loud siren, and advises keeping it out of the reach of young children. It also says connected doorbells and camera systems can now be linked to a phone or tablet to alert the owner and show the property in real time, and that closed-circuit television is an alternative. Its garage advice says that if a house alarm system is in place, the garage should be connected to it, particularly if attached to the house.
Garage doors and the door into the house
For garages, SBD’s advice is to consider replacing a weak door with an accredited SBD product, of which it says there are up-and-over, sectional and roller shutter options in a range of materials with thermal insulation. If the existing door is kept, a garage door defender that prevents the door being lifted is described as easy to fit and a visible deterrent. For an attached garage, SBD notes care is needed over the internal door between the garage and the home: a dual certificated door for both fire and security is required to ensure both safety and security. A locksmith registered with the Master Locksmiths Association can advise and install security products correctly.
Tools, ladders and the garden
SBD’s advice also covers what is left outside. It says not to leave gardening tools lying around, since a garden spade can do a lot of damage to a door or window in a short time and most burglaries are committed at the rear of the home. Ladders should not be left outside or, if that cannot be avoided, should be chained up.
Check your insurance
SBD advises checking that household insurance gives adequate cover for theft from the garden and outbuildings. A related guide on this site covers what standard contents policies cover for home gym equipment, including limits that may apply.
Frequently asked questions
Is a padlock enough for a garden gym?
SBD’s advice goes further: solid doors, approved hasps and staples fitted with coach bolts or security screws, secure windows and an alarm.
Should the garage connect to the house alarm?
SBD says to consider it, especially if the garage is attached.
What does marking equipment achieve?
SBD describes forensic marking or etching as a visible deterrent and an established way to reduce theft.
The bottom line
Secured by Design’s advice is layered: solid doors with proper hasps or locks, secured or frosted windows, a lockable fixed box for small items, forensic marking, an alarm or camera, a better garage door where needed and confirmation that the insurance covers the outbuilding. Together these make a garage or outbuilding gym a harder target than the average shed.
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