How to protect outdoor school equipment from theft

You wouldn’t think that thieves would be as heartless as to steal from school children, however when it comes down to it they just don’t seem to care who they steal from.

We have seen schools be the target of theft time and time again and it is usually the outbuildings or sheds that are the target. This has been highlighted again in the news this week, with a shed theft taking place at John Baskeyfield Primary School in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent.

The thieves targeted the school shed, which unfortunately happened to be unlocked and stole £150 worth of kid’s tools including spades, forks and hoes. Another shed on the property was locked, although it received substantial damage, nothing was stolen from this shed. The children had been using their tools to tend to their wildlife garden, pond, vegetable beds, orchard and bug hotel.  All of the children’s tools had been bought with money raised by the kids.

Equipment stolen from a Stoke-on-Trent Primary School

Bob said “Perhaps being naive, I thought that no one would steal children’s tools so I had not locked it. When I found out, I was with the kids and it wasn’t a very nice experience for them or me.”

This theft story just points out how important it is to keep your shed secure. Even if you think you’re living in a safe area or think ‘it won’t happen to me’, you can never be too careful. In this case you can see how by just simply locking your shed, you can prevent theft or greatly reduce the risk.

Shed security tips

In order to protect your school shed and outbuildings there are a few easy tips that could mean the difference between your shed being broken into and it not.

• Always lock your shed!
• If your shed has any windows, it is best to board them up.
• Fit a security light near your shed to scare off any tempted thieves.
• If you have expensive items in your shed it may be worth fitting an alarm.

If security is an issue at your school, Asgard have a range of school storage packs which are designed to provide secure storage for outdoor tools, toys and other equipment.

Asgard School Storage Shed

Made from weatherproof steel, these school storage units are available in a range of sizes and are fitted with security features to help keep thieves out.  Giving you hassle free storage these packs include delivery, installation and a variety of storage accessories.

Which county is the worst for rural crime in the UK?

In recent years rural crime was becoming a big problem for farmers. Things are slowly getting better as the rural crime rate is now at a 5 year low and rural crime across the UK fell by 19% in 2012, which is due to the reduced number of tractor and quad bike thefts. However this type of crime still costs in the millions. New figures released have shown that the cost of rural crime in Yorkshire is the highest in the UK, according to insurance company NFU Mutual, which insurers over 70% of farmers and figures show that losses to rural crime in Yorkshire in 2012 cost an estimated £3.4m.

NFU Mutual spokesperson, Tim Price, said that the decline in the number of rural thefts was down to better security features on tractors and anti-crime initiatives.

Mr Price said, “The difficulty policing the countryside is the sheer size of it……so it does call for a different approach to security compared to urban areas.”

There are a number of ways that you can try and keep farming equipment and tools protected from rural theft, simply by using common sense and locking away as much of your equipment as you can. If you are concerned about rural theft and want to keep your equipment safe and protected, an Asgard storage unit is just the thing you need.

XXL Metal Storage units from Asgard

The Asgard range of XL metal sheds is the ideal place to store expensive farming equipment as they offer ample amounts of space and are fitted with a number of tough security features included a 5 point locking system and pick resistant lock, designed to help keep thieves out!

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

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.

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 – 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.

Time for a Barbeque Party?

Are you planning a BBQ party?  With the Football and Wimbledon season in full swing, are you making the most of the lovely summer weather in the garden?

Everyone is rolling out their grills and dusting off the patio furniture. Summertime is meant for backyard gatherings with great food and drink with family and friends.  Whether its steak, chicken, ribs or veggies, barbecuing is a fun and easy way to make a delicious fun meal and keep your friends and family coming back for more!

Summer garden BBQ party – you’re invited!

Safety check – Before you plan your party and invite everyone round, make sure you are fully prepared.  If you are using Gas for your Barbeque, you will need to check that the gas bottles will be stored safely and secured to prevent any accidents.

The best way to store gas bottles is in a robust metal storage unit, such as the Asgas 38 gas bottle storage unit.  Built from weatherproof steel, the Asgard gas bottle storage range is available in 3 different designs to suit the three most popular gas bottle sizes.

Asgard Gas Bottle Storage – Handy for BBQ’s

All of our gas bottle storage units have been designed in conjunction with Calor gas and are the only units on the market to be selected as Calor Choice products.

Security check – Without realising it, the costs of BBQ equipment do add up; with a BBQ grill, gas bottles, patio heating, garden furniture and lighting equipment, we recommend that they are kept locked away when they are not being used.  The best way to store them would be in a secure outdoor storage unit, such as the Asgard Classic metal storage unit, which will ensure they are kept safe and dry until the next BBQ party.

Store all your expensive garden equipment and BBQ safe and secure in the Asgard Classic outdoor storage unit.

The Asgard Classic Garden Storage unit provides high security outdoor storage of expensive garden equipment and furniture.  Built with a thick, heavy galvanised steel panel construction and large double door access, the Classic metal shed is an ideal store for all your high value garden equipment.  Fitted with a strong 5-point locking system with Loss Prevention Certification Board approval (to level 1), you can be assured this storage unit offers excellent garden equipment storage security.

If your planning a BBQ party and need some recipe ideas and help with setting up the BBQ grill visit the website from Calor Gas BBQ website here.

Don’t forget to get yourself the coolest new BBQ gadgets this summer at http://bit.ly/BBQmust-haves – Your BBQ party wont be complete without it!

For a full range of secure metal storage units for your garden visit our website now http://www.asgardsss.co.uk.

Features of Asgard large metal sheds

If you are looking for large storage for your gardening to keep anything from old empty plant pots to garden furniture, look no further. Asgard large metal sheds offer fantastic outdoor storage in a range of sizes and are fitted with a wide range of features.

Large outdoor storage from Asgard

1. Galvanised steel

All Asgard metal garden sheds are made from Weatherproof steel, for the toughest storage.

2. No exposed screws

There are no dangerous exposed screws or sharp edges.

3. Easy assembly

Even though they are big, Asgard large metal garden sheds are easy to assemble and come with step by step instructions. An installation service is also available.

4. Accessories

Shed accessories such as hooks and shelves are available to purchase and allow you to maximise your storage space.

5. Ventilation system

Asgard sheds are fitted with a unique ventilation system to minimise condensation.

6. Integral metal floor

The integral metal floor adds more security to the metal shed.

7. Low maintenance

Metal sheds are low maintenance.

8. 10 year warranty

All Asgard sheds are suplied with a 10yr warranty as standard.

9. Pick resistant locking mechanism

This pick resistant locking mechanism helps keep your stored items safe.

10. Tough locking system

Tough locking systems help keep thieves away!

See the full range of large metal sheds from Asgard.

Metal storage for gardens

Metal garden sheds are becoming more and more popular with gardeners as they offer more for their buck, compared to wooden sheds, with more security features and little maintenance. Take a look at the key features of Asgard metal garden sheds.

Metal Garden Sheds from Asgard

1. Galvanised steel

All Asgard metal garden sheds are made from Weatherproof steel, for the toughest storage.

2. 10 year warranty

All Asgard sheds are suuplied with a 10yr warranty as standard.

3. No exposed screws

There are no dangerous exposed screws or sharp edges.

4. Accessories

Shed accessories such as hooks and shelves are available to purchase and allow you to maximise your storage space.

5. Ventilation system

Asgard sheds are fitted with a unique ventilation system to minimise condensation.

6. Integral metal floor

The integral metal floor adds more security to the metal shed.

7. Low maintenance

Metal sheds are low maintenance.

8. Easy assembly

Even though they are big, Asgard large metal garden sheds are easy to assemble and come with step by step instructions. An installation service is also available.

9. Pick resistant locking mechanism

This pick resistant locking mechanism helps keep your stored items safe.

10. Tough locking system

Tough locking systems help keep thieves away!

Are Asgard Metal Sheds the best?

Asgard Metal Storage Unit Key Features

Take a look at the key features of Asgard sheds to find out if these metal storage units suit and meet your storage needs.

1. Galvanised steel

All of the units from Asgard are made from strong weatherproof steel panels.

2. Low Maintenance

Unlike wooden sheds, metal sheds require very little maintenance.

3. 10 Year warranty

Asgard sheds come with a 10 year warranty as standard.

4. No exposed screws

There are no exposed screws inside Asgard units, so there are no sharp or dangerous edges.

5. Easy assembly

All of Asgard sheds come with simple step by step instructions for easy assembly. An installation service is also available.

6. Pick resistant lock

Pick resistant locks are fitted to most of our metal storage units to provide the best possible security.

7. Unique shed ventilation

A unique shed ventilation system is in every Asgard metal shed. This ventilation system helps to minimise condensation.

8. Accessories

Asgard units are pre drilled for our shelving and hook packs. These accessories are available to purchase and add more storage options to your shed.

9. Integral metal floor

 Metal sheds from Asgard are the ONLY metal sheds with an integral metal floor. This floor adds even more security to the unit.

10. Tough locking system

These metal sheds feature tough locking systems to help keep stored items safe from theft.

See the full range of metal sheds from Asgard on the Asgard website.

Tool theft increase in the UK

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

“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.

Unique Valentine’s day idea for Men

With less then a week to go until Valentine’s Day, many women will be wondering about the ideal gift for the man in their life.

Surprise him with a picnic in the garden!

Whilst a bunch of roses or a box of chocolates is a traditional gesture, why not go one step further this year and buy him a new Garden Shed?  If you want to do something a little different or just need some gift inspiration, we’ll help you make this Valentine’s Day extra special with an Asgard garden shed to enjoy all year round.

Every man loves his space, and he will definitely love this stylish Garden Shed from Asgard.

The Flexistore metal garden shed gives you a quality alternative to the traditional wooden shed. With attractive styling and excellent build quality our units look good anywhere, providing secure storage year after year.

As with all of our ISO accredited products this secure metal shed is made from our strong, thick, galvanized steel, which is then coated with hardwearing polyester powder coat paint.  This process makes all of our sheds not only weatherproof but also tough and durable.

This metal shed is an excellent all rounder for both the amateur and professional gardener – and you can be sure he will appreciate such a unique gift for years to come.

For more information on the Asgard range of Garden Sheds – visit the Asgard website http://www.asgardsss.co.uk.