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 battery-powered alarm: KERUI D121 Door Alarm - View on eBay
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
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.
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.
Pros
- Gold standard Sold Secure classification
- Loud alarm siren
Cons
- Battery life could be improved
Best easy-fit PIR alarm
Yale 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.
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.
Pros
- Simple to install
- Loud siren
Cons
- Initial sensitivity set-up may involve a bit of experimentation
Best battery-operated alarm
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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.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Can be integrated into a larger system
Cons
- AAA batteries not included
Best shed alarm with a siren
YiseeleThis outdoor alarm has sensitive dual motion-sensing probes that can detect movement up to eight metres away. Once motion is detected, this activates a powerful flashing light strobe and an alarm siren that reaches an ear-splitting 120db. We like that this alarm is solar-powered, so once it's in place you don't need to fuss with wiring or batteries. This comes complete with two remote controls which reviewers praise for their ease of use.
Pros
- Water-resistant with an IP53 rating
- Solar-powered so no need for wiring
Cons
- Remote controls are very basic
Best budget shed alarm
Tech Traders This pocket-friendly alarm is ideal for smaller sheds or even bike lock-ups. It's so affordable you could spend more on the batteries required to operate it. It's a simple option that comes with an adjustable bracket for wall mounting. As you'd expect from a smaller unit, this only has a detection range of 105-degrees, but that can cover up to eight metres of space in front of your shed. This comes with two remote controls - with handy keychains - that simply allow you to arm or disarm the system.
Pros
- Remote controls come with handy keychains
- Comes complete with adjustable wall bracket
Cons
- Alarm sound is only 105dB
How we chose the best shed alarms
All of these shed alarms have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered the range of coverage, ease of use, and functionality in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching all types of outdoor alarms to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about. And with help from Modern Gardens Magazine, Garden News, and Garden Answers, we share expert gardening knowledge to help you get the most from your product.
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.