Shed Security (long)

[MossRoad]

Contact one of the local alarm companies and see if they have cell phone monitored systems. That way, there is no phone line for the thieves to cut. It can run off of a solar charged battery system, so there would be no need to run electric.

 

[goodoleboy]

I have a property like yours placed about 15 miles from i check on every few weeks.
I would use a shipping container used run about $1500 waterprorf and almost theft prooft to "honest" criminals.

You can also consider a storage facility in the near by area but that would require your truck to tow back to the property.

 

[Gatorboy]

The shipping container is your best bet. I have one and someone must really want what's in there very badly to go to the trouble of breaking in.

People are not likely to break into a container if they are unsure what is inside. I think many of the problems you find on isolated property is from teenagers -- so, while they may break windows or kick in doors of a wood shed, they will not be messing with a metal storage container.

 

[johnday]

JD; Whatever you decide, get REAL antitheft locks. I used to use the best padlocks I could find, usually Master brand. After loosing $3000 worth of tools in my tool trailer because the trash just cut my locks. I got antitheft locks from U-Haul. Unless you use a grinder to cut them, you can't get in without the key. Also, I use Gorilla Gaurd coupler locks, these fully enclose the coupler.

Up where I have property, I've very good nieghbors. They watch my stuff for me when I'm not around. Also, I did not allienate myself from them either. One thing I think I did right, when a local asks if he can hunt my property, I just tell sure, have at it, as long as my wife and I are not there. It's cheap insurance. They'd probably hunt there if I okayed it or not, but at least I'm showing them I'm not the typical "down stater". I also hire locals when I need an extra hand to do whatever, and when I'm there, I help them out for free. That includes dirtwork and/orbuilding. I had also told them that I planned on minimal impact to THIER way of life. All I'm saying, make friends with the neighbors instead of pushing your maybe different values on them. Most people resist change regardless of good or bad. Especially if comes from a nonlocal.

Now if I could just get the guy down the road to take out his #&%(@# sodium light,,,,,,,,, /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[FL_Cracker]

This is a tough one. Our barn is 2200 feet away from our house and we're not there all the time. (1-2 weeks per month) The barn has been broken into three times in 7 years. Before we got some neighbors they broke in and cleaned out the barn. The rats used only a tire iron. That got them through the dead bolted door(not really that strong) and then they used my sledge hammer to kill the alarm, my ax and sledge hammer to cut the cables securing the ATV's, my chain saw to cut a 6' square hole in the wall and the took it all. The local police took 7 hours to respond to the alarm. They couldn't find the barn. They were coming to the house but not the barn. Now I have a separate account for the barn and I went to the town and got the barn it's own 911 address. The next break in was foiled by the local sheriff but they didn't catch them. Although the phone box is three feet from the door they enter (all three times) no one has yet to cut the phone line before entering. These guys are not "Ocean 11", just stupid drunk Friday night low life crooks. (By my description you may be able to tell that I don't care much for a thief.

Good luck,

 

[btolle]

I agree with johnday, good neighbors are your best theft deterrent.

Chaining tractors, atv's, etc in a locked building is pretty much a waste of time. Once the thief gets in they can take their time cutting the chains and from the posts above most of us seem to provide the tools for them to use!

Local Kubota dealer had high dollar Kubolta mower stolen the other day. They cut a hole in the chain link fence which is easier than cutting a lock. When they set off the alarm system the thieves heard the call go out on the police radio and beat a retreat before the police could get there. BTW, the thieves carry scanners and when they hear the call go out on the police or Sheriff's radio they run, usually long before the authorities arrive.

Taking a wheel off or otherwise disabling a tractor or ATV so it can't be started or rolled by hand is a fair deterrent.

On newer Kubota's (and probably other brands) there is a main fuse that you can pull which disables the fuel shutoff solenoid and starter relay. It is easy to pull and take with you and the tractor will not start without it.

If I had and isolated situation I would consider the shipping containers, they seem more secure than other structures.

One other thing I believe in is looking "poor", i.e.: Dilapidated building looks like owner can't afford anything worth stealing. I sometimes think you would be better off leaving the door open. A thief passing by would assume there is nothing of value in an unsecured storage building.

I used to have a cabin in the woods and put in an alarm system with a big alarm bell (about 8" or 10" in diameter). It made a heck of a racket and would ring for about 5 minutes. Anyone within a couple miles would have heard it, especially at night.

Another possibility is a siren inside the building that gives off a very high pitch squeal that is so offensive you can't stand to stay in the building. Again, would have to be battery powered and hidden so they could not find it to cut the wires. Inside a fake bale of hay would be good.

If you can find 12 V DC operated alarm system you can use a deep cycle battery and get a solar powered battery charger to keep it charged.

The basic problem is that you do not think like a thief. You don't see things the way they do so you protect what you think of. They think of lots of other ways to get your stuff.

Thieves hate 2 things: Lights and noise. Concentrate your efforts on those for your best protection.

Bill Tolle

 

[AndyM]

I'm going to agree with Wayne and Dave. A steel sided shipping container is pretty secure. You can buy used shipping containers for around $1500, plus delivery.
I would put one up on our property if our zoning allowed it.

 

[markct]

just some thoughts on chains and locks, as for chain the best thing to use in my opinion is case hardened overhead hoist chain, this chain is made to be very tough since its used for overhead lifting, and its also made to be very hard so the links do not wear with continuos use. this makes it nearly impossible to cut with bolt cutters. my father had bought a piece years ago for his motorcycle and he said that the place he bought it had a tag right on the bin that said use abrasive saw not bolt cutters, he told the guy he wanted 3 ft of it and the guy measured it out and then grabbed a pair of bolt cutters that were huge, like 4 ft long handles, and my father said wait arnt ya supposed to use the abrasive saw, to which the guy said ahh its the end of the day and i dont feel like going to get the saw from the other end of the building, so my father said the guy was leaning on the bolt cutters with his full weight and he thought for sure the bolt cutters were gona break, but it did cut it, he figured tho no one with an average sized pair of bolt cutters would ever be able to cut it tho.

 

[shvl73]

Call a place that rents out storage trailers and containers, for a cost to sell or lease the container, plus delivery.

 

[meledward23]

A friend of my families has a 1400 acre place with no neighbors and he doesnt live there. He had three break ins before his current solution.

He built a metal skin building. The theives favorite method was to cut throiught the thin siding. So he welded square tubing 16" OC all the way around upto 10' in height. People can still get in, but they dont get out with any thing. I dont remember how hey secured the door, and I havent been out there in a while....