Garden Security Hints & Tips

With the weather steadily improving and with the nights getting longer, it is even more important that your garden is secure from would-be criminals.  Making your garden more secure could prevent an intruder from getting into your home, garage or shed.

Essex Police have offered the following hints and tips for securing your garden:-

• Installing strong fences or gates will act as a deterrent, preventing intruders getting into your garden.
• Ideally any gates, fencing, walls and hedges at the front of your property should not be more than 1.2m (4ft) so the front of your house can be seen by passers-by.
• A standard 1.8m (6ft) wall or fence at the back of your house is sufficient.  Increase the height to 2m (6ft 6in) if there is public access on the other side – any higher than this will need planning permission.
• Trellis fixed to the top of a fence is not only decorative but can provide extra protection as it is difficult to climb over, breaking easily and noisily. Trellis does not need planning permission.
• If your garden is easily accessible via the side of your house,  a strong lockable gate, fitted towards the front of the property, will act as a deterrent.
• Garden gates should be at least the same height and strength as your fencing with hinges securely attached to the gateposts.
• Fit a good quality rim lock which can be locked from both sides as well as a padbolt with padlock inside.
• Ensure locks fitted to gates cannot be reached from over the fence.
• Remember to always lock your gates.
• Planting prickly plants or a hedge, such as firethorn, climbing rose or hawthorn, around the perimeter of your garden can be a powerful deterrent.
• Gravel on paths and driveways can act as an alert to someone coming towards your property.
• Install dusk to dawn security lighting. The low energy lamp stays on in the dark and switches off when it starts to get light.
• Secure garden furniture and wheelie bins so they cannot be used to climb on and gain access to upstairs windows.
• Do not leave ladders lying around – they could be used by thieves to climb into an upstairs window. Keep them locked in a garage/shed or chained to a fixed object.
• Do not leave tools, gardening equipment or debris lying around in the garden as they could be used to smash windows.
• Keep your garden neat and tidy so it looks cared for.
• While working in your garden, make sure doors and windows are locked to stop unwanted visitors.
• Do not use barbed wire, razor wire or broken glass on walls or fences to protect your property – you could be held legally responsible for any injuries caused. Consider fitting spiky plastic topping, which is legal, along with a small warning sign.