A metal storage shed – a ‘must-have’ for Allotment Growers

Posted on June 15, 2013 by nazishs

Do you have an allotment?

Over a quarter of a million people in the UK currently hold an allotment plot.  Allotment gardening has always been a popular option for those of you who don’t mind getting their hands dirty in soil and spend time nurturing flowers and vegetable plants, but may not always have the space in their garden.  Apart from providing low cost food, they also provide valuable recreational opportunities involving healthy activity and social contacts.

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How does your garden grow?

Taking on an allotment plot is not all hard work; it can have many advantages, providing fresh home grown vegetables, fruit and flowers for you and your family, free from artificial additives and at a fraction of that you would have expected to pay in a supermarket or greengrocer.

There is also the social side, meeting new friends with similar interests and enabling you to enjoy a healthy outdoor life with gentle exercise and a place to relax and unwind.

Did you know: The first legislative reforms date back to the Enclosures Act of 1845. Today, the Council has a statutory requirement to provide allotments for the public.

Is your allotment secure?

As many allotments are independently or council owned, they will often have different levels of security.  Many allotment sites suffer from vandalism and theft, from minor incidents such as disappearing Fruit and Veg, ranging to major incidents where sheds located on one site have been broken into and vandalism, smashing of glass in greenhouses, breaking tools, dumping rubbish and damaging frames.

Keep your tools under lock and key 

Always try and keep all your gardening tools locked up and out of sight in allotment huts and sheds.  Not only do they provide shelter from the rain for expensive tools, gardening equipment and clothing, they provide much needed security for your allotment.

Secure Storage units for your allotments

If you need a secure storage unit installed in your allotment, you can choose from a range of metal storage sheds from Asgard in various sizes according to your needs.  The Asgard Addition is a popular choice for many gardens and allotments due to its compact size and multi-purpose storage space.  Built from our tough, galvanised (weather proof) steel with an integral metal floor and convenient large double door access this unit features an excellent 3-point locking system.

Asgard Addition storage unit

Asgard Addition storage unit – Great for allotment storage!

Smart and stylish, the Asgard Addition metal shed unit is available in a choice of 3 colours – dark green, ivory and brown enabling you to match the unit to your environment, and ensure your allotment is looking neat and tidy.

Top Tip: We recommend that you check the area available to install your shed before installation, and confirm with the allotment regulations before installation.

Want to grow your own?

Whether you are budding vegetable grower or a seasoned gardener, visit the Allotment diaries website for more ideas on making the most of your allotment.  For a ‘Plot Holders’ Guide’ from the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) click here.

To view our full range of outdoor storage units and unit sizes, visit our website http://www.asgardsss.co.uk for further details.  We also offer free delivery and an installation service is also available for added convenience.

Filed under: Allotment shed, allotment storage, Best sheds, Bulding a shed, Garden equipment, Garden security, Garden sheds, Garden tools, Gardening, Metal sheds, Outdoor garden storage unit, Secure storage, Sheds | Tagged: , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Tool theft increase in the UK

Posted on February 18, 2013 by tarahamilton

January 2013 has seen many reports of tool theft, in various areas of the country.  Police in Galloway, believe that gangs of power tool thieves are operating in Stewartry, as a large haul of tools has been stolen from properties in a two week period totalling £10,000. Items that these thieves are targeting are nail guns, cordless drills and other electric tools.

Bracknell has also fallen foul to tool thieves, as police have recovered chainsaws, leaf-blowers, hedge trimmer and hand- drills, however the thefts have yet to be reported by victims.

These thefts highlight the importance of secure tool storage, to prevent theft and keep your tools safe. So how do you keep tools safe?

Tool security tips:

  • Never leave tools in a van or car, especially in plain view.
  • Mark your tools with your postcode.
  • Lock your tools away securely.

The best way to protect your tools from theft is by locking your tools away securely. A range of workshop storage is available from Asgard.  These metal workshop storage units form Asgard Secure Steel Storage are made from strong weatherproof steel and are fitted with tough features to keep thieves out.

Keep your tools secure in Asgard workshop Storage

Keep your tools secure in Asgard workshop Storage

“I only have a wooden garage, so I am always concerned about breakins.  These days we don’t have the money to upgrade the garage so this was ideal for us.  Very strong and really heavy – Bolting down to the floor is an excellent idea”. John

A pick resistant locking mechanism, strong locking system and reinforced components all help to offer the best security for tools.

Find out more about Asgard workshop storage units on the Asgard website.

Filed under: asgard, Secure storage, Tools Storage, Tools Storage Unit, workshop storage | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

What is the best way to protect garden items and tools from the winter weather?

Posted on October 13, 2012 by tarahamilton

Winter is approaching and it’s time to make sure your garden furniture and equipment is well protected from the elements. Keeping these items stored away safe from wind and rain, is the best way to keep your items in tip top condition. If you don’t already have a shed, garage or outdoor storage facility that is secure from harsh weather conditions now is the time to get one.

There would be nothing worse than to find after months of hibernating, you emerge to find that your shed has been leaking all winter and your lawnmower and other electrical gardening equipment have been ruined beyond repair. Not only is this a nuisance, but it would also be costly to replace.

Don’t let the bad weather ruin your gardening equipment

 

So why not save yourself the hassle and bother. Investing in a water tight, secure, outdoor storage unit, will save you time, aggravation and money in the long run. The average household spends between £100 and £600 pounds a year on their garden. The majority of this will be in the form of gardening tools and furniture. So just think of the hundreds of pounds worth of goods that you could have accumulated and stored away over the years. Depending on your home insurance policy your outdoor storage may not be covered for water damage, if covered at all. Don’t be left caught out!

Take the time to invest in a secure and tough garden storage unit.  A range of secure weatherproof garden sheds are available from Asgard, providing fantastic protection for your garden items. These metal sheds are tough and come with a variety of features: pick resistant locks, wind and rain guards, tough locking mechanisms and integral metal bases. A range of high security sheds are also on offer, to help prevent the theft of your stored items and with a 10 year warranty, you don’t have to worry about a thing. To see the full range of metal garden sheds visit the Asgard website.

Secure storage for winter

Having a watertight shed to store away your garden equipment and furniture will provide you with piece of mind, knowing your items are safe and dry. Best of all, you won’t be left with any nasty surprises once spring emerges and you can start enjoying your garden once again, straight away.

Filed under: Garden Safety, Garden security, Garden tools, Gardening, Sheds, Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Don’t be a tool theft victim

Posted on September 16, 2012 by tarahamilton

If you love DIY and home projects, you have probably accumulated a vast and expensive range of tools to carry out every odd maintenance job you could possibly think of. You now have so many tools, there’s no more room for them in the house. If you’re on the verge of being banished out of the house, we have the perfect storage solution.

Asgard has a range of workshop storage, perfect for your tools. These workshop storage units are insurance approved, which is great for your expensive items. Made from tough weatherproof steel, you will struggle to find anything stronger. Incredibly secure, with pick resistant locks and 5 point locking systems. These workshop storage sheds have reinforced doors, hinges and panels. We’d like to see a thief try and get into one of these! See the range here>

With tool theft a problem, security and protection are the best forms of prevention.  Thieves are breaking into shed and garages, taking anything of value. Tools are particularly useful to thieves, as they can use them for future break-ins and can even use them to gain access to your home.Don’t leave yourself wide open to theft.

Filed under: outdoor storage, Tools Storage, Tools Storage Unit, workshop storage | Tagged: , , , | Leave a Comment »

Garden Safety

Posted on August 26, 2012 by andyheath

Storing your garden tools safely not only extends their life but also additionally ensures nasty accidents are avoided.

When selecting your garden storage area, be it a garden shed, garage or storage cupboard; always ensure it has adequate room for not only tools and equipment, but also for you to move around freely.  Having to climb over things to get what you need puts you in a hazardous position.

Make Your Garden Safe For Children
Make Your Garden Safe For Children

Have a nice trip.

This may sound obvious but you would be surprised! Never leave any tool lying around on the floor and make sure all entrances and exits are free from trip hazzards.  A nasty fall onto a sharp garden utensil can have fatal consequences.

“Always keep the area clean, tidy, and serviceable”.

Never leave garden tools on the ground when being used out in the garden.  One of the greatest causes of injury are rakes left lying around with their tines facing upward.  A rake handle slamming into your face with sufficient force to cause severe injury.  Comical as this may sound, this is a common garden injury that is definitely no laughing matter.

These Are Tools Not Toys.

Never allow children to play in your storage area. This area contains tools not toys.  It is very easy for a child to injure themselves or someone else while trying to use your tools as part of their fun.

Ensure your garden storage area is lockable.  This will not only reduce the possibility of theft, it will additionally stop children having access to hazardous tools, sprays, and equipment.  Look for a good quality metal shed with a good quality locking system.

If you have children around your home objects like knives, edging shears and Secateurs are best stored in a locked cabinet or drawer where they are safely out of harms way.

Garden sprays and spraying utensils should also be out of reach and secured safely away in a metal storage shed unit with some type of locking mechanism.

Metal Sheds - Keep Tools Out Of The Wrong Hands
Metal Sheds – Keep Tools Out Of The Wrong Hands

Hooks = safety

In your good quality, LOCKABLE metal shed make sure you get some hooks and hang all your tools up away from little fingers.

TIP.  Hang them with the sharp end pointing inwards.

If you have paint, poisons and chemicals – get some shelves and keep them off the floor.  Children drinking paint, is not a good thing.

Do you know what’s in your shed??

Tip: Try to label where your tools hang.  If you do this any tool that is not where it is supposed to be will easily show up and can be located and returned to where it belongs.  It additionally makes it easier to locate, as you will know precisely which tool you are looking for. Also if anything sharp is missing you can find it quickly before it falls into the wrong hands.

If correctly set out your storage area can make gardening so much easier.  Your tools in a proper place and right where they should be when you need them, your safety ensured by following a few simple commonsense pointers and your enthusiasm bursting to get out and create.

Information from safe gardening UK - Metal sheds from Asgard

Filed under: Bike storage, Metal sheds, Secure storage, Garden sheds, Garden security, Best sheds | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Mobility scooter security

Posted on August 4, 2012 by tarahamilton

 

Mobility scooters are of great importance to many people and are sometimes their only means of transportation. Having a mobility scooter or not, is the difference between being able to leave the house, or being trapped inside all day. If a mobility scooter is the only way for you to get around, then you’ll want to do your best to take care of it. Having somewhere secure to leave the unit is important as you don’t want it to be left outside waiting for thieves to find it. If you have a garage or a shed keep it locked up when not in use. This may seem like an obvious thing to do, but recent news articles have shown that not everyone takes that safety precaution.

 

 

A young woman in Carlisle was left virtually housebound after her mobility scooter was damaged by vandals.  Having left her mobility scooter outside, a group of thieves kicked down her garden fence and attempted to ride the scooter however they were unable to escape with it due to locked gates. Thieves made a second attempt at steeling the bike later that night in a different direction, but again were unable to exit thanks to cobbles and steps. The thieves abandoned the scooter in a neighbour’s garden. Although the scooter wasn’t stolen, it was left severely damaged and has left the owner of the scooter housebound. Read more>

Another incident occurred in Spalding this month. Cindy Maddison had left her mobility scooter in the landing of her apartment block, only for it to go missing. Cindy can only walk short distances and without her scooter she will have to rely on being driven around. Read more>

 

 

These thefts show that leaving your scooter anywhere that can be accessed by the public isn’t secure. To avoid ending up like these ladies, keep your mobility scooter locked up. Asgard mobility scooter storage is a metal security shed that will keep your mobility scooter safe from theft and vandalism. This unit is made from tough weatherproof steel, has reinforced doors and panels and is equipped with a tough 5 point pick resistant locking mechanism. It has an access ramp and is large enough for you to ride the scooter in and out of the unit. See full product details here>

 

 

 

Filed under: asgard, best mobility scooter store, disability scooter storage, electric mobility scooter storage, mobility scooter security, Mobility Scooter Storage, secure mobility scooter storage | Tagged: , , , | Leave a Comment »

Protect your lawnmower!

Posted on July 28, 2012 by tarahamilton

If you don’t have a shed or garage, its important to have somewhere safe and secure to store your lawnmower, out of the sight of thieves. Here on shedforce we have spoken a lot about garden and shed theft in the recent months and it is still a continuing problem. Expensive lawnmowers and other electrical gardening equipment is a prime target for garden and shed theft, due to their high value. Recently there have been a spurt of shed break-ins in Stafford with thieves taking gardening tools and using them to break into houses.

In Nottingham, a thief was caught on camera steeling a lawnmower that had been left outside a house in a front garden and even with the video footage the owner of this lawnmower will be lucky to get her mower back. As you see from this article, even leaving your lawnmower unattended in broad daylight will put you at risk to theft.  Another lawnmower theft took place during the day in a garden in Londonderry. Unfortunately our gardens aren’t as safe as they used to be and police in areas all over the country are warning people to take more care.  Garden equipment needs to be locked up at all times when not in use, don’t give thieves the opportunity to strike.

Rural communities have also been warned by the police to protect their property,

“It is important that people take responsibility for their property and making sure that shed and outbuildings are properly secured is a step in the right direction. Use good, strong locks to secure outer doors and even consider locking up items which are stored inside sheds and outbuildings. It is also a good idea to install outside security lighting which can act as a good deterrent to potential thieves. Another must to help prevent rural crime is to report any suspicious activity to the police so we can act upon it and build up a good picture of any on-going criminal activity” Sergeant John Clayton. See the full article here

The police know that no one is immune to theft and want to make sure everyone is looking after their property in best way. If you do not own a shed or a garage the only way to protect your equipment, other than keeping it in the house, is purchase a garden shed. There are a variety of different types of garden sheds on offer, from a range of retailers.

For security for your lawnmower and other electric gardening equipment, a range of secure metal lawnmower storage units are available from Asgard. Thieves will find these mower storage shed a challenge, as they are designed to keep them out! With security features such as pick resistant locks and tough locking systems Asgard metal sheds offer great security. See the full range on the website.

Filed under: Lawnmower storage, Outdoor garden storage unit, Outdoor metal garden shed, Secure storage, Tools Storage | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Combat the rise in fishing tackle theft

Posted on July 27, 2012 by tarahamilton

Garden and shed theft has steadily been on the rise over the last year. From bikes to garden flowers, nothing left outside is off limits for these criminals.  The news over July has highlighted the theft of fishing tackle in various parts of the country. If you are a keen fisher you will know that this equipment is expensive, making it very appealing to thieves. In Spilsby a shed was broken into and various pieces of fishing tackle were stolen. Thieves in Weymouth broke into a garden shed and stole £6,000 worth of fishing equipment and again in Norwich a shed break in resulted in fishing tackle being stolen.

All of these thefts had one thing in common, the fishing equipment was stored in a garden shed. Local police are warning people of shed and garage break-ins. If you do store expensive items in your shed it is important to invest in security, as well as marking valuables so that if they do get stolen they will be easier to find. For information on marking your valuables and registering them on the UK National Property register, visit Immobilise.

If you are looking for highly secure storage for your fishing equipment, Asgard have a range of secure steel fishing tackle storage units available. These are extremely secure metal security sheds and the unit is also available in an insurance approvedversion. The  fishing tackle storage units are made from weatherproof steel, has reinforced doors and a tough locking system that is pick resistant. The metal storage unit is designed to keep thieves out.

Asgard fishing tackle storage

Just check out the reviews

“This is a great unit.  The height is perfect for my Pole hold-all and rod bag.  Loads of room to spare for my trolley, seat box and even hanging space for my “Bib and Braces”.  I have recommended this to all my fishing club mates”  C.R – Huddersfield

“An excellent idea – now I can leave all my equipment outside of the house and i don’t have to move the car out of the garage to get to my tackle” – A

 “Now I have the time to fish I have some very expensive equipment. After being a victim of a garage theft once before I treated myself to one of these units to keep all my new kit in.  I have to say it really is a quality unit”- RP

For more information on this product visit Asgard.

Filed under: Fishing Tackle Storage, Fishing Tackle Storage Shed, Secure storage, Sheds, Sports storage unit | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Be summer safe in the garden

Posted on July 27, 2012 by andyheath

No don’t laugh it’s true!   Around 300,000 individuals in the UK attended Accident and Emergency departments after having an accident in the garden in 2004. Some 87,000 people were actually injured while gardening.   What is the most common accident??  No it’s not the classic Laurel and Hardy gag of stepping on a rake and getting a faceful of handle. - www.bbc.co.uk

The lawnmower tops the list of the most dangerous pieces of equipment, with 6,500 lawnmower related accidents reported each year. Suprisingly the innocuous flowerpot is the second most dangerous tool, causing 5,300 accidents, with falls, cuts and lifting injuries some of the most common types of accident recorded.

 

Safe Gardening
Safe Gardening

Even the Lawn mower is an obvious source of pain it isn’t just lawn mowers and power tools that need to be operated with care. Every garden tool will almost certainly be sharp in some way or another.

Hand Safety

Many gardening injuries involve hands and fingers. You should wear a sturdy pair of gardening gloves to protect your hands against cuts, insect bites, soil and skin irritants. Gloves will also protect you from injuries from thorns. You should choose hand tools that suit you. Where possible, get a feel of the tools before you buy because handle size, weight and length are all crucial when it comes to using a tool safely. Blisters and muscle pain can result if the finger grips on the handle are too small or too large for your hand. Don’t use tools that are in bad condition. It’s better to buy a brand new tool than to risk unnecessary injury.

Don’t use your bare hand for things like shovelling as the soil can contain buried objects like broken glass and tree roots which can injure you.  If the tool is adjustable, make sure that the any adjustment is firmly secured before using it again.

Safety – Tool Maintenance and Good Practice

Keeping your tools well-maintained makes them last longer and makes them safer to use. For example, close the blades on secateurs shut with the safety catch when the job’s done and keep the blades of your shears and sharp by using a sharpening stone. You can also take them to a garden centre for sharpening if you prefer. Working with blunt tools takes up more time and energy and can put unnecessary pressure on joints and muscles as well as being dangerous.

You should store all your tools in a safe, locked shed.  Ideally you should hang up spades, forks, hoes and rakes in the shed after use. This stops you or anyone else from tripping over them and keeps them out of younger children’s reach. In fact, children should be taught not go into the garden shed unless they have your permission and you should never leave them in there unattended. ALWAYS put your tools away after use.  Keep smaller hand tools such as trowels, secateurs etc. in dry storage bags to prevent them from getting damp and rusty.

Store your tools in a safe manner
Store your tools in a safe manner

Never carry sharp tools in your pocket. You might forget they’re there and you could do serious injury to yourself. A multi-tool belt can be very useful for carrying several tools safely. Know what each tool is used for and only use the appropriate tool for the job and keep a first aid box handy, just in case.

By taking safety precautions and working tidily, i.e. keeping tools in a secure toolbox and maintaining them regularly, you will reduce the risk of injury. However, as an extra precaution, you should always keep a first aid box handy and ensure that you’re up to date with your tetanus vaccination.

Make your garden safer

You can help to avoid accidents by following some simple guidelines:

Design a garden so that it reduces the need for high maintenance and lifting.

Avoid trip hazards such as loose paving slabs, hosepipes left unravelled or uneven surfaces.

Use surfaces that provide a good grip underfoot.

Avoid the garden if possible when conditions are icy and slippery.

Do not leave sharp tools lying around. Lock them away from children in a secure shed.

Empty paddling pools after children have finished playing in them.

Learn which plants are poisonous and ensure children and pets stay away from them.

Electrical equipment should never be used in wet weather.

Use an RCD (residual current device) to prevent electric shocks. It cuts out the flow of electricity when a cable or flex is cut through.

Lock away chemicals such as weedkillers and insecticides in a secure shed. Just because they have the words ‘organic’ or ‘bio’ on them, does not make them safe for children to touch.

Wear safety equipment – such as goggles, hard hats, gloves and steel toecapped boots – when using machinery. Tuck in loose items of clothing.

Never leave a barbecue unattended and make sure the flames are extinguished before going to bed.

If you are in the least bit unsure about the safety of tackling a job, call in professionals.

Plan work ahead and take your time – tiredness can make you careless.

Use safety equipment designed for the job. Protect your sight with safety glasses or a visor when using hedgetrimmers, stone cutters and strimmers. Wear ear plugs or defenders when using noisy machinery like chainsaws or compost shredders.

Stout gloves and shoes can prevent injury when using sharp tools or removing blades, thorns or protruding nails.

Use the right ladder for the job, and with care.

Further information about garden safety can be found on the bbc gardeners world website; www.bbc.co.uk/gardening

Filed under: Allotment shed, allotment storage, Best sheds, Bike storage, Garden Safety, Garden security, Garden tools, Gardening | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Storing your garden tools safely this summer

Posted on July 10, 2012 by tarahamilton

As we all know, acquiring all of our fancy gardening tools and equipment can be very expensive. So just imagine how you would feel, if someone came along and decided to help themselves. Not very happy I can imagine. Shed and garden theft isn’t a new phenomenon, however people think ‘it won’t happen to me’, unfortunately this is a crime which is on the rise all over the country.

In June, Blenau Gwent an area in wales had 23 garages and sheds burgled in just one month and of those 7 were said to be insecure or without sufficient security.  The crime and disorder reduction officer for the area, PC Paul Whittaker stated “It shows no sign of stopping despite attempts to tackle the problem. Power tools, gardening equipment and bikes appear to be the main target for thieves”.  Read more on this story>

In the same month, across Bath 22 garages and sheds were broken into and raided.  It’s not only homes that are the targets of these types of thefts, schools have become vulnerable too. Schools in Stamford and Worcester have also been affected by a number of shed burglaries, with playground toys and tools being taken.

As these items are kept outside, they are more susceptible to theft. Local police are reinforcing to communities the importance of keeping tools locked away securely and help them to keep these thieves at bay. In Somerset police are embarking on the  sheducation of the general public, offering advice on shed theft as well as cycle and car theft. A portable display will visit supermarkets and events during the summer, a time when shed thefts normally rise.

What can you do to prevent shed crime?

  • Check that thieves cannot gain entry simply by removing boards from the sheds sides or rear. Alternative to a wooden shed, a metal shed is a great investment and has a much higher level of security than its wooden counterpart. As secure metal shed is a great deterrent to thieves. A wide range of high security and insurance approved metal security sheds and metal garages are available on the market.
  • A good lock is the key to keeping pesky burglars out. Make sure your shed is always locked when not in use.
  • Sheds with padlocks, will always be more vulnerable as they are easy to remove. A shed with an internal locking system will always be more secure than a padlock.
  • Fit an alarm. Shed alarms are relatively inexpensive, easy to install and can be battery operated or mains powered.
  • Opt for a shed without any windows. If you can see what’s inside, so can a thief.
Metal Security Shed from Asgard

For the best in garden security visit Asgard, with a wide range of tough, all metal security sheds in a variety of sizes available, burglars won’t stand a chance.

Information from This is bath, News Wales, Worcester news and Stamford Mercury

Filed under: Best sheds, Garden equipment, Garden Safety, Garden security, Garden sheds, Garden tools, Gardening, Home Security, Secure storage, Sheds, Tools Storage, Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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