Shed break-ins

[Jenni Yoder]

Hey folks! 

I'm curious what ways people have found to reduce shed break-ins. 
We're installing some new sheds at a couple of our sites and we're torn between two approaches: Make the shed really pretty with murals, and well-lit with solar lights, OR try to make it blend in-- boring paint, maybe grow vines up the side to hide it, that kind of thing.
We're definitely planning to add a window (with a metal grate outside) so people can easily see there's nothing of value inside! 

We are in an urban area but our school garden sites are in neighborhoods where it tends to be quieter/easier to break in without being seen. 

Have you found one approach that works better than the other? Super visible and lit, or camouflaged and not drawing attention? 

[Anna Jackson]

Have also had lots of shed break ins unfortunately! 

This lock sometimes helps: 

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Master-Lock-Heavy-Duty-Padlock-with-Key-Hidden-Shackle-Hasp-Included-M736XKADCCSEN/202260772

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[pat...@living-classroom.org]

Hi All,

We have both and I don’t think it matters. If people are going to break in, they’re going to break in. It’s unfortunate that people are like that. 

Thanks,

Patti

On Jul 15, 2026, at 10:04 AM, Anna Jackson <an...@vcfarmtoschool.org> wrote:



To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/school-garden-network/CAGKjFMNDkCRUXU7bjoVNvC%2BEi_juDi1SkzmP2OuEMr9uPsenCw%40mail.gmail.com.

[Helena Kilstrom]

I’ve had wonderful luck replacing sheds with these 

https://share.google/ZRNrDTtY89g0SHEl0

You’re able to organize student materials into small bins and label them on the shelves, store full size tools below and the capacity is truly perfect for what we need at most sites. 

Completely waterproof. Incredibly secure. Just add a lock and you’re good to go! 

Sincerely,

Helena Kilstrom (she/her)

District School Garden Coordinator

Center for Research in Environmental Sciences and Technologies

West Linn-Wilsonville School District

(503) 673-7349

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