Make sure your shed is in good condition. If you suspect it might not stand up to attack by a thief then don't leave valuable items inside, such as your lawnmower or bicycle.

Fit decent locks to your shed door. The fittings should be bolted through the shed door and reinforced at the back with a steel plate. Any hasp should have concealed screws. Padlocks used externally should be no less than 6cm wide and made of hardened steel. A 'closed shackle' type is best, as thieves cannot get the likes of a crowbar through the shackle to break it. The locks should have no less than five pins. Considering fitting any shed windows with an internal grille fixed to steel plates. For sheds that have exterior door hinges - replace existing screws with security screws. They are designed so that they cannot be unscrewed once they are screwed in.

And don't be fooled into thinking your garage is any more secure than your shed. Many up-and-over style garage doors are easily overcome, but a padlock with a hasp and staple on the inside is an effective way of improving security. Consider adding a mortice lock to double garage doors with a rim latch.

Another option to secure an up-and-over garage door is a garage defender lock. This is a heavy-duty metal arm, padlocked to a base plate that is bolted into the concrete outside the garage door. This prevents the door from being opened. They cost around £50 and you can find details of stockists on the Sold Secure website linked at the bottom of the page.

Alternatively you can fix bolts to the runners of an up-and-over garage door that can be locked from the inside. This is a particularly good idea if you tend to enter your garage from inside your home, and not from the outside.

If your garage door is attached to the main house, ensure any connecting doors are made secure (see doors and locks). If your gardening equipment or tools are especially valuable, consider using special security devices inside your shed or garage. Items can be locked down using chains through eyebolts secured to the floor or walls. There are a number of specialist systems available for this purpose.

Considering fitting security cages inside sheds or garages and keep valuable equipment inside them. It's well worth locking down ladders and tools that could be used to break in to your house. Best not to encourage an opportunistic thief. Mark all your garden equipment and tools with your postcode (see property marking).

Finally, check with your household insurance company that your policy includes cover for items stored in garages, sheds and outbuildings and remember, if you fail to put your equipment away or lock-up, your insurance company probably won't pay up anyway.