Outbuildings are as important as the main property

Tom Tahany from security specialist Blackstone Consultancy discusses the importance of a holistic security approach, including consideration of outbuildings, which are often overlooked.

The recent Ecclesiastical Art & Security Research provides valuable insight into the attitudes and concerns of UK-based High Net Worth clients regarding their personal safety. With rising concerns about crime, attention extends to the potential impact on art and collections as well as to the safety of families. Notably, the research highlights a year-on-year increase in the number of individuals reporting personal experiences with crime.

The research revealed that more than three in four (77%) were more concerned about crime than they were a year ago, with almost three quarters (74%) saying they were more concerned about their family’s safety than ever before, and almost half (45%) believing themselves and their family are a target for criminals. 

In response, many respondents have implemented additional measures to secure their homes. Over half (53%) have added new security features to their properties, while a third (33%) have engaged professional security consultants to conduct comprehensive reviews of their homes and grounds.

Assessing both the property and its grounds is vital, particularly when considering what we refer to as ‘Inside the Perimeter’. This area encompasses everything between the property’s boundary and the main building, such as sheds, outbuildings, garages, driveways, gardens, and landscaping. We frequently encounter cases where these outbuildings are either overlooked in wider security planning or treated as secondary to the main residence, despite often housing high-value items such as bikes.

In many instances, outbuildings are targeted as “easy wins” or used as a gateway to a larger burglary. Criminals often assess whether a poorly protected outbuilding may indicate wider vulnerabilities in the main home. We have also seen tools stored in unsecured outbuildings, most commonly ladders, used to gain access to upper floors, allowing intruders to bypass alarm systems set to ground floor only overnight.

It is therefore crucial that all layers of security are assessed holistically, ensuring that every layer is factored in and mitigations implemented to create a secure property not reliant on single points of failure. By strengthening the perimeter and addressing overlooked blind spots, homeowners can significantly reduce both opportunity and exposure, creating an environment where criminals are deterred in advance of accessing the home.

Looking ahead, the emphasis is firmly on proactive security measures to deter and displace crime. The objective is not to transform homes into fortresses, but rather to introduce suitable and proportionate protections through expert advice and guidance. A proactive, layered approach, although intangible, can safeguard properties from being targeted and mitigate the broader consequences associated with burglaries.

Data source: BVA BDRC research for Ecclesiastical Art & Security June 2025, based on 250 UK HNW individuals with an income of at least £200,000 per annum or liquid assets of at least £1m who have invested in at least one type of art/collection.