Spring is coming and you are turning your attention to buying that new mower for the garden or that expensive hand tool to tackle those DIY issues or getting a new bike to explore the countryside!

And where do most of these items end up – in your shed or garage.

But one thing a lot of people don’t think about is the security of these buildings. The average cost of goods stored in a shed can often exceed £2,000 so a poorly maintained shed could start to prove a tempting target for thieves seeking out an easy target.

Here are some top tips to make sure your shed is secure:

• Use a hasp and staple to secure the shed and screw into the timber
• Use coach bolts or non-return screws on the hinges and locks
• Fit a closed shackle padlock to the door – fittings should be bolted through the door and any screws concealed
• Fit grilles or mesh to the windows so people can’t see what is in the shed
• Invest in a shed alarm to deter thieves
• Make sure there are no tools left in the garden that can be used to break into the shed
• Lock all windows and doors

Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Councillor Mary Dooley said, “The amount of equipment and goods that we all store in our sheds nowadays must look like a pot of gold at the end of the garden to would-be-burglars.

“It is therefore absolutely vital to do everything you can to make your shed secure and invest in a solid lock and make sure there are no other easy means of entry - but sadly even a securely locked shed could potentially be broken into.

“So our advice is simple. Never take any chances and make sure that your shed is securely locked every night and that you have the relevant insurance to cover it.”