The Thin Green Line
Date Published: 28/02/2012
It's that time of year when millions turn their attentions to the garden. Unfortunately the same applies to opportunist thieves.
Your garden, as well as your house, has valued possessions that thieves would love to steal. It also has equipment that could help them break into your house.
Most thieves are lazy. They look for easy ways of getting into a house or garden. By taking a few simple precautions you can reduce the risk of being burgled and make your house and garden more secure.
Stop garden thieves: If you see or hear anything suspicious, dial 101 or in an emergency 999.
So while you're clipping your clematis and planting your petunias this spring, here are some top tips to make your garden a force to be reckoned with:.
1.
Add loose trellises to fences or walls around your back garden, these are too unstable to climb over and can provide excellent terrain for climbing plants such as fast growing vines and honeysuckle.
2.
Use gravel for paths as the idea of creating noise will deter the opportunist thief.
3.
Prune low tree branches (below 7ft) to avoid providing cover or potential access to the house. Also, trim tree branches close to upper windows as they may provide access.
4.
Position security lighting at vulnerable exits or somewhere that will cast obvious shadows.
5.
Give garden gates 3 bolts - top, middle and bottom, and padlock the middle one to prevent burglars exploiting a weakness.
6.
Position outdoor dustbins well clear of any potential entrances as they could be used to climb on
7.
Ensure your shed iand garage are secure.
These
are a very popular target with burglars and are often overlooked when security is being considered. The value of the contents, such as garden mowers, strimmers and cycles etc. can often add up to many hundreds of pounds. It is therefore wise to secure the shed door with at least one heavy duty hasp and closed-shackle padlock
8.
Never leave tools out as they can be used to break in.
Do not leave ladders to provide easy access to otherwise inaccessible parts of your house. They should be chained and padlocked to a strong post or wall
9.
Always property mark your gardening equipment and valuables with your postcode and house number). In most cases engraving will be the most suitable method.
Photograph valuable garden plants or ornaments
10.
If you have a burglar alarm, why not consider extending it to cover outbuildings and sheds
11.
Costly garden furniture and valuable ornaments, such as statues or stone planters, can be further protected by anchoring these items to the ground - even valuable plants can be treated in the same way. Hanging baskets are certainly worth protecting; secure or locking brackets are available for this purpose.
If you have any information about any crime and don't want to give your name, ring Crimestoppers, anytime day or night, on
0800 555 111.