Many break ins do not start at the front door. They start at the side of the house, through a gate that does not lock properly, into a shed with a basic hasp, and then onward with tools and time out of sight.
Outbuildings, garages and side access routes often contain valuable items: bikes, tools, garden machinery and ladders. They also provide what intruders want most: privacy. Here is how to secure these weak spots in a practical way.
1) Side access: treat it as a main route
Side paths are a common route to rear doors and ground floor windows. If someone can walk down the side unseen, they can work on locks and windows without being noticed.
Improvements that help:
- Fit a strong, lockable side gate with a robust latch and lock.
- Ensure fences and gate posts are solid, not rotten or loose.
- Remove hiding places, such as tall shrubs near the gate.
A gate that looks solid and is well lit often discourages casual attempts.
2) Lighting: remove the cover
PIR lighting on side access and around garages is one of the best deterrents you can add.
Tips:
- Position lights to illuminate approaches, not to shine into the eyes of neighbours or directly into a camera lens.
- Use lights on both the side path and near the rear door.
- Consider low level path lighting if your side route is long.
Lighting also improves CCTV image quality and reduces the chance of unusable silhouettes at night.
3) Sheds and outbuildings: upgrade the basics
Most shed locks are easy to attack. If you store valuable equipment, consider:
- A better quality hasp and staple, with coach bolts rather than screws.
- A closed shackle padlock or a high quality padlock suited to outdoor use.
- Internal locking bars for larger doors where appropriate.
For garages, check the main door mechanism and any side door. A side door with a weak lock can undermine a strong main door.
4) Do not gift tools and ladders
Many intrusions escalate because the intruder finds tools on site:
- Store ladders flat and locked away, or chain them to a fixed point.
- Lock away power tools and garden equipment.
- Keep bins away from fences and windows; they can become steps.
5) Alarms for outbuildings: small additions, big impact
If you already have an intruder alarm, adding coverage to a garage or outbuilding can be straightforward, depending on distance and signal conditions.
Options include:
- Door contacts on garage doors or side doors.
- Motion detection inside the garage.
- A separate shed alarm for smaller setups, though integrated systems are usually better.
The right choice depends on building construction and how you use the space.
6) CCTV: cover routes and doors, not empty lawn
CCTV works best when it covers:
- The side access route.
- The gate and any approach path.
- The outbuilding door and the area immediately around it.
- The rear door and patio.
Avoid mounting a single camera to “see the whole garden” if it means you lose detail. Better to have a tighter view of the gate and doors.
7) Locks and doors: check the weak link
Garages and outbuildings often have:
- Old euro cylinders that are easy to attack.
- Flimsy hasps and staples.
- Misaligned doors that do not latch properly.
A small hardware upgrade can make a big difference, especially combined with lighting and cameras.
8) Make it look cared for
Neglected areas look easier to target. Keep gates maintained, replace broken lights, and avoid leaving outboxes or packaging that signals expensive items.
A sensible layered approach
For most homes, the best outbuilding security combines:
- Stronger physical security on gate and shed doors.
- Good lighting on the side route and garage area.
- Alarm coverage where practical.
- CCTV views that capture the side route and outbuilding doors clearly.
Harpenden Alarms installs alarms, CCTV and lighting integrated security across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. If your side access or outbuildings are the weak spot, we can design a tidy, cost effective upgrade that improves deterrence, detection and evidence without overcomplicating things.