Homeowners are installing strong front doors and burglar alarms to protect them and their property from crime. They are taking steps to improve security in the garden with defensive planting, which adds to the overall safety of the property. Below are a few home security tips.
Garden Fencing
A lot of houses already have some kind of fencing round their garden. Trellis can be added to make the fence higher. It's worth checking with the local planning permission office before any height is added as there are rules concerning fences and walls, particularly if neighbours' gardens adjoin. The general rule, however, is one metre at the front of a property and two metres elsewhere.
If a houseowner is putting up a new fence, there are different kinds to choose from. Panel fences with concrete posts are sturdy, long lasting and difficult to climb. Wooden fences include the traditional picket fence, the rail fence and the split rail fence, which are all attractive ways to protect a property. An option is to build a brick wall around the perimeter of the garden and train climbing plants to grow over it.
Driveway Gates
Driveways and paths and gardens can be open to passers-by. It's a good idea to close them off with a sturdy gate. For garden gates, there are framed single or double gates with bolted locks. Driveways need something larger, which is where sliding gates come in.
The new gate can be made to match the height of the existing wall or fence for extra security. Strong gateposts are important, as is a good lock. It's best to choose a gate without a central crossbar, which makes for easy climbing. An electric gate is an excellent idea for a large driveway. Older gates can be automated, either by the homeowner or a professional. There's no need to invest in a brand new set of driveway gates when there is a possibility to upgrade existing ones.
Outdoor Garden Lighting
Outdoor lighting is very effective as a deterrent. Burglars will shy away from anything shedding light on what they are up to. A homeowner needs to consider where he will most need lighting. There are usually areas of a garden or property that are particularly dark. PIR or passive infra-red lights come on automatically when they detect heat or movement, but they need to be mounted at least two metres up so they are less likely to be tampered with.
Outdoor lighting is not only effective against intruders, it can also be used to light up paths and driveways on winter nights for safety for the homeowner. Neighbours need to be taken into consideration as they may not want their property lit up in the same way.
CCTV
Worried owners have gone as far as installing CCTV. One or more external cameras can be linked to a monitor via a video recorder. A high quality system is required to ensure that the cameras can record at night, either via infra-red or a well lit area. The images should be clear and easily identifiable, otherwise there is no point in having the technology. As with the outdoor lighting, any cameras must point at the property and garden alone and not at a neighbouring house or the street.
Garden Theft
Unfortunately, garden theft is on the increase. Sheds and garages are being targeted and there are a few simple measure you can take to secure your garden buildings. Garden sheds can be fitted with heavy duty locks and any windows with wire mesh. Garages should also have secure locks. There are alarms for outdoor sheds and garages. Large objects need to be locked together and preferably to something too large to steal.
These few simple measures will go a long way to making any property as safe and as unattractive to intruders as possible.
Join the Conversation