The security of your home is not confined to the walls, windows and doors but includes the garden, fences, sheds and garages. Fences, gates and hedges can help deter burglars from attempting to enter your property, and good security on your sheds and garages can protect equipment that would be expensive to replace or could be used to gain entry to your home.

Whilst we want our home and garden to be welcoming and pleasant for ourselves, friends and family it is possible to make it unwelcome to a burglar.

Having an open aspect at the front of your property will enable neighbours and passersby to see anybody approaching your home, or looking through the windows. At the front of your property, we recommend that hedges and fences are kept to a maximum height of 1 meter, and the canopy of any trees is maintained at 2 meters or more, giving a clear view of windows and doors. This will potentially enable neighbours or passersby to see anyone attempting to gain entry to the rear of the property

Securing access to the rear of your property will help prevent offenders being able to reach less overlooked areas of your home. Gates should be level with the front of the house if possible, 1.8 meters high and should have a decent lock or padlock. Adjoining fencing should be of the same height.

The boundary fence or wall to the rear of your home should be of a sturdy construction and of a suitable height so that it is difficult to climb.

If you have a gate fitted across your drive, keep it closed at all times. This not only gives the impression that someone is at home, and puts a physical boundary between your property and strangers; it sets the rule that the property is private. Closing the gate only when you are out or leaving it open only when you are out, are signs and signals thieves look out for.

A gravel drive and footpath to the front door are a good deterrent. The noise of someone approaching can warn occupiers and any dogs on the premises. This is especially useful if you are in the garden.