Growing plants in containers
Containers are incredibly versatile and suitable for a wide range of plants. They’re an easy way to brighten up small spaces and create focal points in larger areas.
How your garden can protect your home
From spikey plants, dense hedges and securing your shed, there are lots of things you can do to achieve a secure garden without compromising on aesthetics or scaring away wildlife. Stephen Armson-Smith, Designing Out Crime Officer for Essex Police explains how your garden can be your first line of defence
How to increase garden security
“Good boundaries make sure that people can’t get into your garden, that can be fences, but also the plants, because your garden doesn’t have to look like a fortress. Nature has an awful lot of wonderful plants that provide that security, but it’s not just spiking plants. It’s looking at the density of those plants as well, because the density in itself can deter someone from trying to get through,” said DOC Officer Stephen Armson-Smith.
Hawthorn hedge
"If you’ve got children, try using softer planting in front of spiky plants which can protect your windows and your boundaries."
- Check your household insurance policy covers theft from your garden and outbuildings
- Gravel drives and paths make it impossible for an intruder to approach a property quietly
- You can have movement detection for your lighting, but do bear in mind that the plants moving and the animals within the garden will also set off that lighting and may raise fear of crime
- At the front of the property, make sure that the entrance is clear and visible, so that any potential intruder would be exposed
- CCTV systems can be linked to your phone to view your garden. Be sure to set it up so that it only captures footage of your own house and garden. If it includes your neighbour’s garden or a public area such as the street then you need to comply with data protection legislation
Fences
Fences need to be of solid construction. Planning permission may be necessary for fences over 2m (6½ft). Check with your local planning office. If you live in a conservation area, check if there are any other restrictions.
- Fix 30-45cm (12-18in) trellis to the top of the a 1.8m (6ft) fence to deter prospective burglars. The trellis will not support the weight of a human and the noise of it breaking is a deterrent
- Growing thorny climbers like roses on fences to deter would-be thieves, supply food and habitats for wildlife and soften the boundaries of the garden
- In front gardens it is better to have low walls and fences, no more than 1m (3¼ft) high, which will not screen intruders from view
- Keep the view into your front garden clear by pruning back overhanging branches and clipping foliage back from around windows and doors
- Make sure that there are low gaps in your boundary so hedgehogs can pass through
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Sea Holly (Eryngium)
Eryngiums have a strong architectural shape, spiky bracts and great colour.
Plants, ornaments and containers
Important and expensive items can be protected in various ways:
- Proprietary land anchors scan secure larger plants, garden furniture, containers and ornaments. Most are based on a permanent stake to which an item is chained or bolted
- Electronic tagging systems are available that are embedded into the item, enabling identification of recovered stolen property
- Mark your property with your postcode, ideally by engraving
Sheds and outbuildings
Don’t make a burglar’s job easier by leaving gardening tools lying around – these are often used to force entry into houses. Make sure you have heavy duty locks on doors and windows. More expensive items should only be stored in structurally sound buildings and consider fitting an alarm system.
Think like a thief
Ask yourself, how would you break in, and remember; Lock it, Hide it, Mark it.
5 most commonly stolen items from sheds
- Bikes
- Mowers
- Sports equipment
- Power tools
- Garden tools
Useful links
Crimestoppers
Neighbourhood Watch
Metropolitan Police Crime Prevention - Sheds and outbuildings
National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners
