We’re often asked by homeowners how best to protect the outbuildings on their land – garages, stables, tack rooms, workshops, home offices, barns and garden buildings of all kinds.

And no wonder – a 2025 study by Aviva found that nearly three in ten UK residents with a shed or outbuilding have experienced an attempted or actual break-in. More concerning still, two-thirds of those people also had their main home targeted at the same time – suggesting that an unsecured outbuilding can act as a gateway to a far more serious burglary.

Despite this, the research revealed that around five million people across the UK take no security measures whatsoever to protect their outbuildings. An incredible 60% don’t even check whether their outbuildings are locked before going on holiday or heading to bed.

Why you need to protect outbuildings

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance your outbuildings contain more than a lawnmower and a few hand tools. Vehicles, cycling equipment and sports gear are regularly stored in garages, while stables and tack rooms house saddles, bridles, and other equestrian gear that can run into thousands of pounds. And if you run a business from home or work remotely, your garden office is likely full of valuable electronics – not to mention important information stored on hard drives.

According to Aviva’s claims data, the average insurance claim for theft from a shed or outbuilding in 2024 was £4,205, with bikes and e-bikes, power tools and fishing equipment among the costliest items to replace. If you’ve got garages, stables or high-value equipment, your potential losses could be significantly higher.

Outbuildings are attractive to opportunistic thieves because they tend to be less robustly built than the main home, are often set back from view, and – as the Metropolitan Police point out – can provide the tools a burglar needs to break into the house itself.

How wireless technology helps protect outbuildings

The good news is that modern wireless technology makes it straightforward to extend your home security to cover outbuildings as well as your main property. Intruder alarms, CCTV and access control systems can all be set up without extensive cabling – ideal where garages, stables or workshops are some distance from the house.

In most cases, you’ll need an electrical supply to the outbuilding. However, emerging solar technology is increasingly being used to power remote buildings where a permanent hard-wired supply isn’t practical.

With most detection systems, you’ll receive an alert via a smartphone app, so you can respond immediately – or view the incident in real time via your CCTV. If you have multiple outbuildings spread across your property, this kind of remote monitoring can be particularly valuable.

Further steps to protect outbuildings from theft

Beyond your main alarm and CCTV system, there are other measures worth considering:

• Security lighting. Good-quality, motion-activated lighting around your property is one of the simplest and most effective deterrents. Security lighting leaves intruders feeling exposed –especially around outbuildings set away from the main house.
• Smart locks and padlocks. Bluetooth smart padlocks add an extra layer of protection to outbuilding doors. If you prefer a regular padlock, make sure it is a closed-shackle design with no exposed screws – and check hinges too, as these are sometimes easily removable.
• Obscure what’s inside. Covering windows with frosted film or a simple curtain prevents would-be thieves from assessing what’s worth stealing. This is particularly important for garages and workshops where high-value equipment may be visible.
• Anchor high-value items. Bikes and power tools can be chained to ground anchors or lockable stands within your outbuilding, giving thieves a second barrier even if they do gain entry. In tack rooms, securing saddles and equipment to fixed points serves the same purpose. Steering wheel locks will make criminals think twice about taking your vehicles – especially those without high-security features.
• Safes for documents and valuables. For home offices in particular, a safe is well worth the investment for important documents, hard drives and other items you rely on to work effectively.

Remember to get insurance for your outbuildings

It’s also worth reviewing your home insurance policy. Most policies place limits on what they’ll cover for theft from outbuildings, and many stipulate that buildings must have been properly secured at the time of a break-in. If your outbuilding was left unlocked, you may find it difficult to make a claim – so good security habits protect your finances as well as your belongings.

Get expert advice on extending your security to cover outbuildings – contact our team for a free survey: call 01483 791500 or email sales@absolutefiresecurity.co.uk.