Shed Shackle

Outdoor Structure Security

Here, we will look at a simple item which can protect expensive equipment you store in any outdoor structure, such as summer house, garden shed or gazebo – the shed shackle.

Many of us will know the heartache, expense, feeling of vulnerability and inconvenience that comes as a consequence of burglary. No building or structure is ever going to be completely burglar-proof, but there are many ways to make your property safer and more secure.

Burglars are most often opportunists, looking for the easy, quick target. What any burglar doesn't want to do is spend unnecessary time and effort making off with their haul. Certain items are perennial favourites: electronics, bikes, jewellery etc.

A particular thieves' target is the garden shed (or other outdoor structure). They know that entry is often easy and items stored inside are often valuable. At night, no-one is likely to be inside, and a quick in-and-out can be possible.

So what can you do to protect those larger, valuable items in the shed? Even if a burglar gains entry (and this can be surprisingly easy, even with quite extensive security), there is another level of security you can deploy – the shed shackle.

Particularly useful for bicycles, a shed shackle is a simple and not expensive item you can use to provide another point of security. Every step you can take in deterring a thief is a step in the right direction – protecting your property.

A shed shackle is usually U-shaped and solidly secured to the floor of the shed. It snaps shut to provide a very safe securing point for any suitable item that can be attached to it – for example, bike wheel, power tool, lawn mower etc.

To be sure of the security of the shackle, it can be embedded into the concrete base of the shed.

So, imagine the determined burglar who has successfully broken into your shed – he is then faced with your valuables solidly secured to the floor. It is likely that most thieves at that stage will simply make off empty-handed. The alternative – sawing through the shackle or otherwise releasing the item – is going to be time-consuming and difficult. In short, not worth it.

Shed shackles can be used to secure a great variety of items. Not just bicycles, but anything that is of value and has a suitable securing point. Items can secured permanently – e.g. work benches and other machinery, or temporarily.

In the latter case, a padlock can be used, or the shackle itself can incorporate a padlock-like mechanism. Just make sure the padlock is solid (the larger the better) and has a good number of the spring loaded pins that make up the locking mechanism.

Be Safe and Secure

As can be seen above, the larger and expensive items that people store in their shed can be particularly vulnerable to the attentions of a burglar. A shed shackle provides an extra level of protection and security and can suit a number of items and situations.