Garden Crime How to Protect Your Property

Basic Considerations Avoid hidden areas where intruders can lurk Consider security lighting Consider gravel paths to prevent a silent approach Make the back garden a difficult area to access

Fences Place Trellis on top of fence Barbed wire or other such fence topping must not overhang and incline inwards Consider planting climbing roses up and along fence

Sheds Secure the shed door with a heavy duty hasp Fit a closed-shackle padlock Opening windows require good window locks. Consider a passive infra-red detector Consider a door contact alarm

Flimsy Sheds Consider locking garden tools to floor anchor Consider a locking box inside the shed Consider locking pesticides away Keep tools in garage

Natural Protection A barrier of prickly hedge may be all the protection you need around your property. Here are some suggestions for plants to use………………..

Creeping JuniperBlue Spruce Common Holly Giant Rhubarb Golden Bamboo Chinese Jujube Firethorn Shrub Rose Pencil Christmas Tree Purple Berberis Mountain Pine Blue Pine Oleaster Blackthorn Fuschia-flowered Gooseberry Prickly ash (Zanthoxylum)

Finally Put away all tools and equipment Sheds are securely locked Keep tools inside if you do not have a garden shed Use plant protection - such as thorny shrubs Install outside security lighting Photograph valuable garden plants or ornaments. Check that your household insurance policy covers theft from your garden and outbuildings