Beef Up Your Garden Security - Be Safe Not Sorry This Summer

Finding home security tips  online is easy - but garden security isn't such a hot topic.

More people are worried about locking their front doors and windows to stop burglars from entering the house, but what about the power tools and expensive equipment in the shed?

While you're at the beach enjoying ice lollies with the kids, there could be a predator plotting to target your poorly protected garden.

You never know... and that's why you should follow this advice from Essex Police:

Essex Police burglar-proof garden security tips

Essex Police teamed up with a designer and created a realistic garden environment to illustrate the most common weak points to homeowners. Watch the video below:

For the shed:

• Fit a battery operated alarm inside that will sound an alarm if triggered
• Secure tools with a sturdy chain to prevent them being taken if the shed is broken into
• Lock the shed with a heavy-duty padlock

Fencing:

• Rear fencing should be at least two metres high to stop intruders from peering in
• Include a trellis at the top to support plants, but not the weight of a potential intruder - plants with prickles are best!
• Keep the fencing in your front garden short so you and your neighbours can easily see people approaching your home

Lighting:

• Use solar powered or 'dawn to dusk sensor' garden lights to draw attention to unwanted visitors
• It is best to place motion detector lights on the rear of your house, instead of the shed. This is so that the lights can be placed out of arms reach of an intruder.

Exterior flooring:

• Use gravel in your back garden so that you can hear footsteps or other movement
• Think about using gravel near your shed and back door

Garden gates:

• Gates should be solid, flat faced and in line with the height of the fence
• Think about painting your gate with anti-climb paint or adding plastic spikes on top to deter burglars

Planters:

• Secure planters to the ground to prevent intruders from picking them up and using them to break into your home
• Use prickly or thorny plants around the perimeter of your garden so thieves aren't inclined to jump over the fence. Ouch!

Don't forget about the essentials

Of course, we couldn't write a guide to garden security without mentioning a few common, but often forgotten, tips:

• ALWAYS ensure your back door is locked
• NEVER leave a spare key to the back door or side gate in your garden
• Use the same shed safety precautions for other outbuildings, such as summer houses

Discover how safe your home is with our quick quiz!

Together we can beat the burglars. You don't have to make your home into a fortress to feel safe, just follow some simple advice! Take our quiz to see where your home rates.

After all, you're not just protecting your home and the things in it, you're protecting your family.

Click the image below to start now. It only takes 3 minutes!