Aviva reveals five million Brits leave their sheds and outbuildings unprotected and vulnerable to theft

New research by Aviva reveals that one in eleven people (9%) – equivalent to around five million Brits – do not properly protect their sheds and outbuildings, despite 29% having been a victim of theft¹. 

The research – which surveyed 2,024 UK residents of which 1,500 have a shed/outbuilding – found that two-thirds (67%) of those who had their shed or outbuilding broken into, also experienced a break-in or attempted break in at their home². 

According to Aviva claims data, the average claim for outbuilding or shed theft was £4,205³ in 2024. Despite this, more than three in five (62%) people do not check whether their shed or outbuilding is secure before going on holiday or leaving home for the night and 63% do not check before going to bed⁴. A further one in six (16%) leave sheds or/and outbuildings unlocked when doing chores such as gardening. Not only can this increase the likelihood of theft but may also make it difficult to make a claim in the event the shed or outbuilding was not properly secured.

When looking at how people use their shed of outbuilding, one in six (16%) regularly use it to store valuable items. In fact, the survey shows that the three most stolen items from sheds and outbuildings include bikes/electric bikes (24%), garden tools (20%) and power tools (16%). According to Aviva claims data, these cost as much as £2,056, £1,299 and £2,038 respectively to replace. Fishing equipment is also the costliest to replace at £2,418, highlighting the importance of storing these items safely and securely⁵. 

The research also revealed some interesting insights into how people use their outbuildings. Around one in eight (13%) use the space as a workshop, while one in 10 (10%) use them for working out and exercise. Other popular uses include pursuing hobbies (8%) and running a business (6%). Some have even converted their outbuildings into bars (7%), games rooms (6%), offices (6%) and TV rooms (4%). 

Hannah Davidson, Senior Underwriting Manager, Home and Lifestyle at Aviva says:  "Our research suggests that burglars may be more inclined to target a home if they first gain access to an unsecured shed or outbuilding, so it’s worrying to see many residents failing to take any security measures.  

“Although it may be tempting to leave doors and windows open, thieves only need a small window of opportunity. Even basic things like a sturdy lock or motion-activated lighting can be enough to deter someone from trying to break into your garage or outbuilding, such as a shed. Most home insurance policies will also have a limit on how much cover they’ll provide for items stolen from a garage or outbuilding, so it could be worth checking your policy and considering alternative storage options for more expensive items.  

“In the event you do not properly lock up your home, garage or outbuilding, you may be unable to make a claim in the unfortunate event you become a victim of theft. This is because most insurance policies will stipulate that you must properly secure your home. With the average claim being £4,205, it’s worth spending five minutes double checking before you leave your home, even for a short period of time³.” 

Aviva’s top tips for protecting sheds, garages and outbuildings:

• Always lock sheds, garages and outbuildings, even when you're at home. Keep an eye out for any rusty or weak padlocks too, which may make you more of a target for thieves, and leave keys out of sight. And if they have windows, consider a window covering on the inside to prevent anyone seeing in.
• Avoid storing valuable items in outbuildings. Some garden sheds are designed for garden storage and are often made of lightweight materials, making it easier for thieves to break in. Ensuring these lightweight sheds are securely fixed to their foundation or base can also reduce the risk of them being damaged by storms.
• Install security or motion-activated lights near outbuildings. This can often deter intruders and prevent them from trying to break in. If you’re storing more valuable pedal cycles in your garage or outbuilding, it’s worth considering fitting an anchor point for the cycle to be chained to, providing an extra layer of security.
• Check your insurance policy. It’s worth reviewing your policy regularly to see if you have the right level of cover, particularly if you have higher value items such as pedal cycles which may need to be specified on your home insurance. There are many calculators which can help estimate how much cover you will need.  
• Check for any limits and restrictions in your policy for theft from garages and outbuildings. It’s likely that a limit will apply for theft of contents from garages and outbuildings and cover may only apply where there has been evidence of forcible and violent entry – which is why it’s important to properly secure your home and outbuildings.  

Find out more about how to keep your shed and outbuildings secure.   

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References

^1. _{The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2024 UK Respondents (Nat Rep 16+), 1,500 of which said they have a shed/outbuilding. The data was collected between 25.04.2025 - 29.04.2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.}

_{5 million statistic found by: 55,190,347 16+ UK Adults * 9.14% (those who said ‘I/we do not currently take any security measures to protect my shed/outbuilding(s)’ = 5,044,398.} 

_{The statistic “29%) of UK residents have experienced an attempted or actual break-in to their shed or outbuildings” is of respondents who have a shed/outbuilding.}

^2. _{‘Yes, someone also attempted to break into / burgle my home’ and ‘Yes, someone also broke into / burgled my home’ answers combined.} 

^3. _{Value refers to 2024 Aviva Home Theft claims where description references ‘shed, outbuilding, garage, cabin, workshop’.}

^4. _{Reverse of ‘I always make sure my shed or/and outbuildings are locked and secured before going on holiday or away from home for more than a day’.} 

^5. _{2024 Aviva home claims settled data.}   

^6. _{Respondents whose shed/ outbuilding has been broken into.} 

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