Once you’ve finished in the garden for the day, there’s a tendency to just put everything away in your garden storage and forget about it till next time. But your shed could be home to lots of valuable items such as lawn mowers, hedge trimmers, bikes and furniture. These things are not cheap, so it makes sense to keep them as secure as you can, and a garden shed alarm could be just the protection you need.
You don’t need to spend a fortune on protecting your garden shed, and it could help to deter potential burglars and alert you in the case of any break-in attempts. Alarm systems come in many different forms, from basic shock alarms to systems that will integrate with your home security set-up and send alerts to your phone or other connected virtual assistants like Alexa. They provide a valuable additional layer of security as thieves are more likely to target homes that appear vulnerable or lacking in security features.
Best shed alarm at a glance:
• Best alarm for comprehensive protection: Yale HSA Essentials Alarm Kit - View on Amazon UK
• Best police-approved shock alarm: Defender Shock Contact Alarm - View on Amazon UK
• Best budget alarm: KERUI D121 Door Alarm - View on Amazon UK
So, what type of alarm do you need to protect your shed and its valuable contents like important DIY tools? Here are some reasonably easy-to-install solutions to beef up your garden shed security.
Best shed alarm
Best alarm for comprehensive protection
ON SALE
If you have some basic DIY skills, you should have no problem installing this alarm kit from Yale. It comes with all the components you need to set up a basic alarm system for your shed, including a control panel, door/window contacts, a PIR motion detector, and a 94dB siren.
Once the system is installed, it’s easy to set up as there’s no wiring to be done, and all the elements have been pre-linked before purchase. It's easy to arm and disarm using the intuitive control panel interface.
Customer review: "Bought to replace a much older similar wireless Yale alarm (water ingress had damaged the exterior alarm). Easy to install, and I was able to re-use one of the existing motion detectors and the old key fob once reprogrammed. Basic alarm system but it does the job."
Pros
- Everything you need is included
- The system can be easily expanded
Cons
- No remote control to arm and disarm the system
Best police-approved shock alarm
The Defender Alarm is a simple and affordable wireless security system designed for use in sheds and similar outdoor buildings. As the system is wireless, you don’t need to worry about running wires or drilling holes, and the 110dB alarm will make plenty of noise to attract attention. It comes with everything you need for installation, and it shouldn’t take you too long to get it up and running.
The alarm has passed attack testing to Gold Sold Secure SS503 standard and holds the Secured by Design Police Preferred Specification.
Customer review: "Bought for the summer house. Good alternative to the Yale using contact rather than movement. The buttons are a little small, though."
Pros
- Gold standard Sold Secure classification
- Loud alarm siren
Cons
- Battery life could be improved
Best easy-fit PIR alarm
This alarm system includes a PIR motion detector that can detect movement up to 12 meters away, which is perfect for the average garden shed. The unit can be wall-mounted or free-standing and is easily operated using the four-digit keypad. If any motion is detected and the correct code has not been entered within ten seconds, the 110dB alarm will sound.
Power is provided by four AA batteries, which can provide up to 2 years of use. There is a low battery light to tell you when they need to be replaced.
Customer review: "It’s small but LOUD! Excellent purchase! Fast delivery."
Pros
- Motion detection
- Loud siren
Cons
- Code choice is limited by the four-digit keypad
Best vibration sensor alarm
A compact and easy-to-install solution for garden shed protection. The unit runs off three AAA batteries and is attached to the door of your shed with adhesive strips. There are seven settings that allow you to adjust the sensitivity to suit your situation. It’s set from the included key fob, and once activated, it will sound like an ear-piercing 113dB alarm to hopefully ward off any intruders before any damage is done. The key fob will operate at a distance of up to 20m and has an SOS button to activate the alarm in an emergency.
Customer review: "Overall, a simple but effective vibration-triggered alarm. Turned on/off with supplied remote fob linked to that alarm specifically."
Pros
- Simple to install
- Loud siren
Cons
- Initial sensitivity set-up may involve a bit of experimentation
Best budget alarm
This is an easy and inexpensive way to alarm your shed. The KERUI D121 is easy to install and operates on a battery-powered system, making it a convenient and effective security solution. The system can be armed and disarmed using the remote control, which has a range of more than 80 meters in an open area and can be easily integrated into a larger KERUI security system.
The system is easily installed; just attach adhesive pads to the door and the door frame, fix the alarm and the magnetic strip, and you’re good to go.
Customer review: "Simple to use easy to install and very loud alarm."
Pros
- Easy to install
- Can be integrated into a larger system
Cons
- AAA batteries not included
Best remote control alarm
You will need to drill a couple of holes to affix the PIR system to your shed, but once that’s done and you’ve adjusted the position, the alarm is ready to start working. It’s a stand-alone alarm armed and disarmed by remote control, which has an operating distance of up to 50m and again contains an emergency SOS button.
If the PIR detects any movement within the shed, it will sound the 130dB siren for 60 seconds before stopping but remaining fully activated should there be further movement.
Customer review: "Really loud. Can arm and disarm easily from a distance with the door still closed. Seems reliable with great battery life."
Pros
- Easy to install
- Remote control
Cons
- Installation instructions could be improved
What to look for when choosing a shed alarm:
If you are going to fit an alarm into your garden shed or tool shed, there are a number of things you may want to consider before making your choice.
Type of alarm: Would you prefer a wired or wireless system? Wired alarms require the installation of wiring and sensors, while wireless alarms can be installed more easily and can be monitored remotely.
Sensors: Choose an alarm with sensors that are appropriate for your shed. For example, motion sensors will detect movement inside the shed, while door sensors will detect when a door is opened.
Sound: Consider the loudness of the alarm’s siren. You want an alarm that is loud enough to deter would-be intruders and be heard from inside your home.
Price: Consider your budget when choosing an alarm. Prices can range from just a few pounds to hundreds of pounds depending on the features and capabilities.
Compatibility: If you have a smart home system or other security devices, consider choosing an alarm that is compatible with your existing system.
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Alex Boyd is a Commercial Content Writer for Modern Gardens specialising in Power tools and pressure washers. In his spare time, he enjoys DIY, Travel, Gardening, and music.