‘Safe & Secure’ crime prevention garden to display at prestigious Royal Horticultural Society show

Aiming to raise awareness of garden security, the ‘Safe & Secure’ garden is a collaboration between Essex Police, Secured by Design and RHS Hyde Hall, with support from a number of local companies.

The garden has many techniques incorporated into it to deter opportunistic burglars – simple and affordable crime prevention measures which can be used in any front or rear garden that will add an extra layer of security and will help protect a home.

The key security features which make the garden safe, secure and sustainable include both physical security products and aspects of defensive planting. Visitors to the garden will not only get to enjoy the garden itself, but will also have the opportunity to discuss the security features with Crime Prevention Officers from Essex Police.

This will be the first time that a garden like this will have featured at this prestigious annual show, which runs from Wednesday 31st July to Sunday 4th August.

Essex Police Designing Out Crime Officer Stephen Armson-Smith said: “As Designing Out Crime Officers, we know the value of working in partnership, such as with the Royal Horticultural Society to benefit from their expertise.

“I would like to thank the RHS and our sponsors for all their hard work and generosity in creating this wonderful garden, where collaboratively we can demonstrate how both nature and security can work together to create a beautiful, safe and secure Garden".

Head of site at RHS Garden Hyde Hall Ian Le Gros said: “Well thought out defensive planting as part of garden design can provide an element of security, whilst at the same time provide a pleasant environment to live and work.

“We hope visitors will be inspired by the garden and see for themselves that there are several things that can be done to improve security in the garden – most of which are relatively quick and inexpensive to do.”

Secured by Design Development Officer Lyn Poole said; “Garden security is such a great way to enhance the physical security of a home whatever size the house and garden. The RHS have really grasped the reasoning behind the idea and have worked with the Designing Out Crime officers from Essex Police, and some of our member companies who have donated security products. There will be lots of information and ideas for people to take away with them to implement in their own gardens, be it shed, garage, cycle security or even lighting and boundary products".

To see more photographs and video clips of the garden, follow @EssexPoliceUK and @securedbydesign on Twitter, where updates will be posted throughout the week.