Garden Security
The importance of stopping burglars and prowlers from wandering a
round your garden is obvious. The good news is that we can use good old mother nature to solve many of our security problems.'
For instance, a hedge made from prickly bushes would deter most thieves from pushing through them, and prickly climbers placed near to walls would stop most of our unwanted visitors climbing over.
Trees too can be used as an effective barrier. Holly such as Illex leylandii would still provide privacy, but few thieves would be able to get though.
The hawthorn Paul Scarlet Coccinae Plena has lovely scarlet coloured blossoms and an equally impressive thorny array, and is probably the choice for an average back garden.
Drain pipes giving access to flat roofs and windows can be protected with barbed wire or anti climbing paint. But just think how much nicer a rambling rose such as Leverkusen would be. It grows to about ten feet high and produces lovely pale yellow flowers.
Now that we have this nice security around the garden don't forget the garage or shed. Valuable electrical items are best stored in the home if your shed is particularly vulnerable. But if it is - do something about it!
A good quality hasp and staple with a padlock is important on all sheds and side doors to garages. Remember to use a hasp and staple that can be bolted to the door and frame for extra strength.
Remember to postcode tools; if it is impractical to use an ultra violet pen consider engraving instead. Lawn mowers can cease to be an attractive target if your postcode and house number is indelibly marked on them.
Glue smeared over heads of screws in the hinges of shed doors or the side door of a garage will prevent a thief simply unscrewing them. Alternatively consider replacing them with special tamper proof screws that cannot be unscrewed.
Always lock cycles to something fixed or bulky while in the shed or garage and have them post coded. Many cycle dealers provide this service for a small charge.
And finally, please don’t leave spades, ladders and the like lying around the garden. They only provide a prospective burglar with handy tools to use when burgling your home!
