As the evenings draw in and the clocks go back, many of us start spending less time outdoors. But while we're turning our attention back to the comfort of our homes, it's worth remembering that our gardens, sheds and outdoor spaces can contain some surprisingly valuable possessions - and they can be attractive targets for thieves.
The latest official crime figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), published on 22 October 2026, make particularly interesting reading. While crime against individuals and households has generally declined over the longer term, one particular category has seen a significant increase: theft from outside a dwelling has reached its highest level in 13 years.
So, what does this mean for homeowners, and what practical steps can we take to better protect our outdoor possessions?
Outdoor theft increases by 27% in just one year
The latest figures from the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW), covering the year ending June 2026, estimate that there were approximately 803,000 incidents of theft from outside a dwelling across England and Wales.
That's a 27.6% increase on the previous year's estimate of 629,000 incidents, and the highest figure recorded since the year ending March 2013.
The figures are particularly interesting when you look at the wider category of other household theft. This includes theft from within a dwelling as well as theft from outside it.
Of the estimated 833,000 incidents of other household theft in the latest survey, approximately 803,000 - more than 96%- involved theft from outside a dwelling.
In other words, the overwhelming majority of incidents within this category involved possessions stolen from outside the home itself.
Although the longer-term picture for crime is generally more encouraging, this latest increase is a reminder that we shouldn't overlook the security of our gardens, driveways, sheds and outbuildings.
Source: Office for National Statistics, Crime in England and Wales: Year Ending June 2026.
What are thieves targeting in our gardens?
Our gardens have increasingly become extensions of our living spaces. From bikes and outdoor furniture to barbecues, power tools and specialist gardening equipment, many households now keep considerable amounts of valuable property outside their homes.
Some of these possessions are expensive to replace, particularly bicycles, e-bikes, lawnmowers, pressure washers and other powered garden machinery.
Unfortunately, items left in gardens, on driveways or inside poorly secured sheds and outbuildings can be relatively easy targets for opportunistic thieves.
A conventional wooden garden shed might offer some protection against the weather, but it won't necessarily provide the level of security needed for particularly valuable equipment.
It's therefore worth thinking carefully about where you keep your outdoor possessions and how well protected they really are.
Secure outdoor storage - an important part of garden security
One of the most effective practical steps you can take is to keep valuable outdoor possessions securely locked away when they're not being used.
Purpose-built metal garden storage offers a strong and durable alternative to traditional wooden sheds, with many models incorporating reinforced steel construction, substantial locking mechanisms and integral metal floors.
At My Secure Garden, we specialise in secure metal storage solutions from two established UK manufacturers, Asgard and Trimetals.
Whether you're looking to protect a few valuable gardening tools, several bicycles or larger and more expensive garden machinery, there are storage options designed to suit different requirements.
Here are just a few examples:
For smaller tools and equipment
A compact metal storage unit can provide a convenient and secure home for power tools, gardening equipment and other outdoor essentials. Asgard's range includes smaller storage sheds designed to make better use of limited garden space without compromising on security.
For bicycles and e-bikes
Bicycles are particularly vulnerable when left outside or stored in an unsecured shed. The Trimetals Protect-a-Cycle is a purpose-designed high-security metal bike store capable of accommodating up to three adult bicycles.
Importantly, it has achieved Secured by Design Police Preferred Specification status and has been independently tested and certified to LPCB LPS1175 Security Rating A1 (SR1).
For larger garden machinery and equipment
If you own a ride-on mower, expensive lawnmower, pressure washer or other bulky equipment, a larger secure metal shed may be a worthwhile investment.
The Asgard Gladiator Plus 2 and Trimetals Titan 680 are examples of substantial metal storage units offering practical space for larger outdoor possessions, with robust locking systems and durable steel construction.
The important thing is to choose storage that is appropriate for the value and type of equipment you're protecting, as well as the space available in your garden.
Think about garden security as a whole
Secure storage is an important part of protecting your outdoor possessions, but it's best considered as part of a wider garden security approach.
There are several other relatively straightforward measures worth considering:
1. Secure your garden gates
Side gates can provide easy access to the rear of your property. Keep them locked wherever possible and consider fitting a good-quality, weather-resistant padlock and suitable locking hardware.
2. Consider security lighting
Motion-activated lighting around garden entrances, driveways and outbuildings can help deter unwanted visitors and make it more difficult for someone to approach your property unnoticed.
3. Install security cameras
Modern outdoor security cameras can provide useful monitoring of gardens, driveways and access points. Some models offer motion detection, night vision and smartphone notifications, allowing you to keep an eye on your property even when you're away.
4. Anchor your storage securely
A secure storage unit should itself be properly installed and fixed down in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. A robust metal shed is only part of the solution if it can be easily moved or removed from its intended location.
5. Mark and register valuable possessions
Consider using property marking products and registering valuable bicycles and equipment on recognised databases. Keeping photographs, serial numbers and purchase details can also help if you ever need to report a theft or make an insurance claim.
Don't leave your outdoor valuables exposed
The latest ONS figures are a timely reminder that protecting our homes shouldn't stop at the back door.
As the darker evenings approach, it's worth taking a few minutes to walk around your garden and consider what you have stored outside, whether it's adequately secured and how easily someone could gain access to it.
Investing in suitable secure outdoor storage, alongside sensible precautions such as locking gates, good-quality padlocks, security lighting and cameras, can make a real difference to how well protected your property is.
At My Secure Garden, we believe protecting your outdoor possessions should be just as important as securing the inside of your home.
We offer a carefully selected range of secure metal garden storage solutions from Asgard and Trimetals, designed to help protect everything from valuable bicycles and gardening tools to larger outdoor equipment and machinery.
Explore our range of secure metal storage and find the right solution to help protect your garden valuables.
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