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Perimeter Security, Fences and Gardens

Ailis Orourkea, 10 December 2017
  • Identify your private property with fences, gates, walls or planting.
  • Gates and fences are the first signs of a secure home and act as a good deterrent to intruders. Make sure they are in good repair.
  • Keeping your front gate closed sends a psychological message of privacy, so consider investing in a gate spring.
  • A thorny hedge along the boundary of your property can put thieves off, but make sure that passers-by can still see the front of your home so that a burglar can't work without being seen.
  • Ensure that side access to the rear garden is secured with a 2 metre high fence and gate. You can fix trellis topping to your fence as it makes climbing difficult.
  • Ensure ladders are put away and bins can’t be turned into climbing aids.
  • For a perimeter fence by a public path or other vulnerable area, consider defensive or prickly shrubbery on your side of the fencing.
  • Burglars don't like gravel as it is noisy to walk on.
  • Security lighting should make offenders feel vulnerable and observed. Illuminate high risk areas and allow occupiers to see people approaching. An outdoor light operated by sensors can be used to make intruders feel vulnerable and observed.
  • Make sure passers-by can see the front of your home by cutting plants to 1m to deny burglars privacy as they work.