A Secure Garden

Lighting

Lighting activated by photoelectric cells will ensure a general coverage,particularly in the back garden. Other lighting, which may be considered, is activated by heat or movement sensors. Fit lights, sensors and amps out of easy reach – at a height of at least 2.5 metres. Use halogen floodlights with a passive infrared sensor. Choose its site with care and keep beams away from neighbours and roads. Install one or more at main access points depending on the size of your garden.

Fencing in your garden

Put up a strong fence to make it harder for burglars to get into your back garden. You could have a fence made from panelling or railings or build a brick wall, ensure that it does not have any features, which would make it easy to climb over.

The fence should be a minimum height of 1.8m/6ft including trellis. If the height exceeds 2m/6ft 7ins including trellis, you may require planning permission from the local authority.

Trellis should be secured with screws on the garden side of the fence and should be strong enough to support a climbing plant, but not an intruder.

A boundary wall or fence at the front of your property will deter intruders. If you have a large hedge at the front boundary, ensure that it does not grow too high. Passing pedestrians should ideally be able to see the bottom of the ground floor windows and the front door. A high hedge may give you privacy but it also allows intruders to hide, unseen in your front garden.

Gate

The garden gate should be the same height, and as strong as your fencing or wall. It should have hinges securely fixed to the gateposts and secured with a padlock or strong integral lock. If you have metal gate, ensure that the cross bar is not a convenient height for climbing. You can use wire mesh on the exterior of the gate to prevent climbing.

Paths

If you are thinking of relaying the front path, consider using gravel as a topping. The noise may warn you of anyone approaching the property.

Planting

You can make your fences more effective by planting something prickly and thorny next to them such as Hawthorn, Holly, Rosa and Rugosa.

Train a thorny climbing plant, like a rose, through the trellis on the top of the rear fence. It is also advisable to grow low level prickly shrubs underneath ground floor windows.

Anti vandal paint

Anti vandal paint is a paint which when applied to surfaces will stop intruders from climbing on it because the paint never dries and so is very slippery. The colours are also very strong and are almost impossible to remove from clothing! Anti vandal paint is an effective deterrent although it must only be applied over shoulder height and an advisory warning sign in place.

Tools

Don't leave garden tools lying about. Those of little value can be used to force doors, break windows or lift plants. Mark or etch your tools and garden ornaments with your address and postcode.

Lock up expensive property such as garden tools, furniture or ornaments. Bring them inside if you don't have a shed or garage.

Bikes are especially vulnerable to thieves. Always keep bicycles chained up and locked away in a shed or garage.