If you think that your shed is filled with junk that no one needs, you are wrong. You might not even know about it, but burglars might have already spotted those expensive tool kits sitting in your garden shed. Or the new bikes that your kids asked you to buy for quite some time but have ridden only once, and now they stay unattended under the outdoor steps. Those are only a few things that might seem attractive to burglars. You shouldn’t underestimate the necessity of garden security.
Besides, your garden is the first line of defence against potential house break-ins. By enhancing its security, you will deter any attempts of intruders accessing your property and protect your family and yourself from feeling insecure in your own house.
So, if you:
Then this post will serve you well. Let’s jump right into the tips!
Did you know that almost half of UK homeowners that have experienced a burglary at least once have not improved their security measures? And this is a big mistake. According to Metropolitan Police, burglars are most likely to return to a place that they have attempted to break in. By failing to improve your security measures, you are literally asking the burglars to come in! However, there are certain things that burglar try to avoid:
Thorny shrubs, prickly roses and thick vegetation, strategically planted near exposed entry points and hard features that can be easily climbed over, can boost your property security without a doubt. But this doesn’t mean that with all the thorny vegetation your garden will look like a witch house. It is quite easy to create a garden design that will not only protect you from unwanted guests but look aesthetically pleasing. Here is the list of the plants we recommend putting:
As you can see, the plant that you choose should be thorny and dense. Thorny security fencing will make the intruders think twice before entering your garden.
However, there are two things that you have to remember when implementing thorny plants in your garden design – kids and pets. Make sure that you think of your own use of the garden.
If you have a thick hedge surrounding your property, make sure you address weak points and gaps at the base. Investigate the hedges on any new holes that might have appeared due to pest issues or disease.
If you have tall trees, keep overhanging branches trimmed to deny burglars the opportunity to use them to climb over the gate or fence.
Moreover, burglars don’t like to be seen. By keeping the front garden hedge low in height you deter burglars from feeling comfortable accessing your property.
If you need help with your gardening project, make sure to check our professional Design and Landscaping services.
As you probably know, British law allows property owners to protect their homes with a fence or a wall that is up to 2 metres in height without the need for planning permission. If your hard boundary feature stands lower than this, you can consider fitting in a trellis (which also has some sound absorbing abilities) on top or install a wire, which can support climbing defensive plants, such as roses or firethorns (Pyracantha).
Furthermore, a wall can be furnished with plants in containers, placed next to each other in a line. No thief will attempt to climb over such a barrier that will inevitably produce plenty of noise.
You can also opt for fitting your fence with spikes or prikka strips, however, avoid using barb wire, as you may have to deal with legal issues at a later point.
Keep in mind, as you install perimeter security that can potentially harm someone, even intruders, you owe a duty of care to them. Ensure to place a warning sign, in any case, to prevent, say, a none-the-wiser child from injuring themselves.
Whatever you decide to use for extending the height of your border fixture, beware that it should not exceed the legally-permitted 2-metre mark.
Replace damaged fence panels and fix crumbling stone wall spots. Don’t forget that you can install a new sturdy fence on your side of the property should an intruder sees the opportunity to access your garden through a weakened point in the fence you share with your neighbour. Or in other words, you don’t need to go into disputes with them over any fence repairs responsibilities.
Motion-triggered lights, fitted near key garden features and outbuildings, are a good security measure against potential break-ins. Light up areas near thick plant foliage and in dark corners of your green space to deter any invaders. Remember, burglars avoid to be seen. You can install solar LED lights along pathways, around garden features, next to your shed, etc.
Ensure that any security movement detection lighting systems are installed correctly so that the light doesn’t prevent you from actually seeing a possible intruder. And of course, consider your immediate neighbours, who wouldn’t be ecstatic if dazzled by it once it’s been triggered.
This is no brainer but folks could place more effort in keeping their back garden gate properly locked. It’s a good idea to fit the entry feature with solid locks – one at the top and one at the bottom of the gate – to secure your garden gate. Consider installing a mortice deadlock or any other high-security locks, that are tested for the most common burglary attacks.
The same applies to garage doors that can provide access to your home. If your garage door is not secure enough, you might opt for a roller shutter or an up-and-over garage door. And don’t forget about the door between the garage and your dwelling! Proper locks can win some time for police to stop the intruders.
Your garden cabin or shed should be protected with a good quality locking system, as well. More on that a bit later in the post.
Medium-sized gravel, laid over garden paths and your driveway, will notify you every time an intruder sets foot in your private green space. Consider introducing hardscape surfaces in spots that naturally generate noise when walked onto. A prospective unwanted guest can easily sneak in unnoticed if walking over garden paving stones or across your lawn. Hence, it’s wise if you lay gravel over paths that lead to your shed and property entrance door. The same goes for your driveway and garden, even if they have been safeguarded by a solid gate.
What type of security device you choose to install will largely depend on the size of your garden, its position, regarding neighbouring properties and the street, as well as on whether you have expensive items, garden furniture and features, placed out in the open.
Modern security systems have various features that will allow you to reach top levels of security. From passive infra-red motion sensors to high-resolution CCTV systems that can provide you with evidence in the case of a break-in attempt, the security alarm options on the market are more than aplenty.
How to protect their garden features, expensive tools, exotic/pricey plants and pots, as well as any outdoor furniture and garden ornaments is often on people’s minds, as burglars commonly target this type of property, rather than risk audaciously getting into the actual house. Those, with the ill-intention of getting their hands on something of value, will do so with minimum risk involved. A thief or a burglar will opportunistically eye and steal an item that is an easy target.
One thing you can do to protect your valuables is to tag them with your postcode. You can either use a UV marker or engrave it. Then, register your items in the national property register used by police in their tracing efforts of stolen goods.
So, read on and check how to safeguard your belongings:
Below, you will find a list of various items, which need to be secured, locked out of sight, or bolted permanently with a floor or wall anchor, etc. These items are quite popular among garden thieves. Just make sure that you fasten inconspicuously lightweight benches, tables and chairs, which can be easily picked up and moved, with a chain to a nearby wall or to a hard exterior surface.
Sheds are one of the most common targets for thieves and burglars. Because homeowners tend to believe that they don’t have anything valuable to steal from their sheds, the majority of back garden structures fail to comply with the proper security measures. Here is how to secure your garden shed and avoid becoming the next theft victim:
As you already know, to be secure your shed needs to be regularly maintained. However, replacing all the rotten boards and rusty screws might require more time than you think. A long project can as well weaken the security of your shed, exposing all the expensive tools to the burglars. In this situation, a great solution will be to hire professionals who know how to handle shed assembly and repairs.
We, at Fantastic Services, know how to bring your shed in good shape in the shortest time possible. No rusty nail or screw will be left unreplaced! In addition, the experienced locksmiths will make sure that you have the locks that go along with the structure of the shed door and comply with the latest security standards. What are you waiting for? Book your shed installation and repair service now!
Make sure to schedule your professional service.
As you can see, by applying some thought and clever ideas on securing your garden and its contents, be it plants, features or furniture, you can achieve that sense of safe haven without disrupting the aesthetic look of your green space. To sum up what you should do to improve the security and safe feel of your backyard oasis, here are our final thoughts and takeaways:
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Did you find this post helpful? Then, don’t hesitate to share it with friends! Also, please, leave your comments and tips on how you’ve secured your garden against potential break-ins!
Header image source: Shutterstock / Ulf Wittrock
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