Secure your garden against green-fingered thieves.

Secure your garden against green-fingered thieves as the fine weather kicks in

LET’S face it – when it comes to our property, most of us ensure the alarm is switched on, doors and windows are locked and a light is left on when the house is empty.

But when considering our outdoor space and belongings, how many of us pay the same attention to garden security?

The brighter days and longer weekends present more time for mowing lawns, pottering in the garden, and spending time with friends and family al fresco.As the fine weather settles in and the gardening bug bites, the temptation and opportunities for green-fingered thieves grow faster than weeds in the driveway.

But according to the Crime Prevention website (www.thecrimepreventionwebsite.com) garden crime affects around one in seven households in the UK – with thieves targeting pretty much everything from plants and paving labs to garden statues, lawn mowers, fish from ponds and even newly-laid turf.

While most of us see the garden as an extension of our living space – with nice ornaments and stylish furniture – we don’t always think about the value and security of our outdoor possessions in the same way as we do as those inside the home.

However, we can all take some simple precautions to protect the garden and possessions against green-fingered thieves, particularly during weekends or summer holidays when the home is empty.

• Take a walk around your garden and check things that may be appealing to a thief - an unlocked back gate or shed (particularly if the shed contains expensive garden tools / machinery or bikes)
• Get a reputable locksmith to secure gates and sheds
• Lock away ladders or anything which could be used to gain entry to your home
• CCTV surveillance will allow you to view your garden and any unwelcomed activity from your home
• Install some sensory / outdoor lighting
• Alarm the garage to provide additional security or think about installing garage roller shutter doors
• If your fencing is flimsy, broken panels could provide easy access to intruders, so consider investing in some new and improved fencing or panels
• If you are going away, even for the weekend – lock any back or side gates or other entrances to the garden to limit access
• Pack away out of sight any garden tools or equipment; even if you take a break from cutting the front lawn, keep your mower out of reach of opportunist thieves
• Secure expensive plants with wire pegs dug into the ground around the root ball
• Use a security pen to mark valuable items, like garden furniture, ornaments or trampolines, with your postcode
• Consider defensive planting like prickly hedges or shrubs
• Join a local Neighbourhood Watch Group – where you and your neighbours can look out for each other (see www.ourwatch.org.uk to find your local group)

When thinking about having any security, garden maintenance or crime prevention work carried out in your home and / or garden, always use someone reputable and trustworthy. If you need a recommendation for a safe, approved local tradesperson, visit www.safelocaltrades.com or call 0800 014 1832.