Crime is on the increase which is a very sad but true fact. We need to be thinking more about the security within and around our homes to try and ensure we do not become a victim of these types of crimes.

The garden is your home’s first line of defence against burglary and theft. Having a good level of security around your perimeter can be enough to put off burglars and protect your home. Burgular will also often access homes and gardens through public access routes such as an alley or walkway. If you have a private alleyway down the side of your house, talk to your neighbour about fitting a high, strong lockable gate. Installing fencing on top of a low wall may be a much cheaper option than brick. If doing this, ensure that it is flush with the outside edge. This prevents a criminal from getting an easy foothold.

When installing a fence try and ensure it is 1.8 meters and that it is as close to the ground as possible to prevent people being able to crawl under it. Secure your garden fences so that they cannot just be lifted up giving easy access to any passers-by. If you have a gate installed in your garden ensure that on wooden gates you fit a good quality security hasp and staples one third up the gate and secure with good quality padlocks.

Install CCTV and having signs around your property stating that you have CCTV can also be enough to warn people away.