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How to secure your shed from theft with your Cedar Rapids smart home

July 22, 2024
Fenced backyard with storage shed in Cedar Rapids

What do you keep in your storage shed? Chances are you have mowers, tools, and other belongings you want to safeguard from criminals. If your defense plan consists of a simple lock, you’re probably in need of an improvement. Learn how to secure your shed from theft in Cedar Rapids with a fully equipped smart home.

Monitor activity in the back with surveillance equipment

Surveillance devices aren’t limited to the front of your house. You can also install them in the backyard to monitor outdoor structures and discourage thieves. Consider where trespassers will potentially access your yard and situate surveillance cameras appropriately. It’s wise to incorporate more than one. Sometimes, merely the existence of a camera is sufficient to scare away prowlers.

Newer surveillance systems have several exciting features. Here are a few things you may find:

  • 4K Ultra high-def image sensors with high dynamic range
  • 3x high definition or 10x digital zoom functionality
  • Night vision
  • Wider field of vision
  • Resistance to weather
  • 1080p maximum video resolution

Top video cameras will fit into your smart home and dispatch alerts to your smartphone whenever suspicious activity is detected. You might even have surveillance activate other smart components like smart lights or create other custom home automation.

Built-in crime deterrence is another beneficial tool. The latest surveillance systems use visual and audio warnings when tripped. You may even integrate your cameras with a powerful spotlight.

Use motion-activated lights

Speaking of spotlights, illumination is another valuable way to deter backyard bandits. Installing motion-activated lighting at the rear of your home or even right on your outdoor building is smart. What’s more, you can situate lower key accent lights that you keep on through the night. Think about your backyard in its entirety, recognize darker locations, and take measures to remedy them. Motion-detection floodlights are a must, particularly if your shed is too far away from your residence to benefit from modern surveillance equipment.

More tips to secure your shed from theft in Cedar Rapids

Modern surveillance systems, lights, and smart home automation are fantastic ways to secure your shed from theft, but other options exist. Consider these solutions:

  • Secure the roof: Is the roof too easy to lift up? A few plastic versions might have this issue. Do what you can to fortify the roof with suitable hardware.
  • Get a new lock: Your ordinary lock could be easy to circumvent. Switch it out with a more formidable hasp and staple lock.
  • Investigate hardware and hinges: Some hardware might be easy to manipulate from the outside. Use hinges with non-removable pins and fasten your shed with carriage bolts whenever possible.
  • Cover and fortify windows: Use window covers to keep valuables out of sight and make things more difficult on criminals with security bars.

Protect outdoor buildings and your home with Vivint

Now that you have a few ideas of how to secure your shed from theft in Cedar Rapids, it’s time to incorporate them. Reach out to the security leaders at Vivint to design your smart home with advanced surveillance cameras, smartphone access, and much more. Speak to one of our helpful agents today by placing a call to (319) 419-4827.