Outside the house A visible deterrent gives criminals the first indication that you have an awareness around security . So what is a visible deterrent ?

This is as simple as having well maintained walls , fences and hedges at the front . They should be a maximum of 1 metre in height , to maximise surveillance and minimise hiding places to ensure criminals are on view from both the home and street .

Alternatively , railings or picket fencing can be used . Hedges , trees and bushes should be regularly cut back . As a general recommendation , shrubs should be selected to have a mature growth height no higher than 1 metre , and trees should have no foliage or lower branches below 2 metres .

At the rear and sides of your home , taller boundaries are recommended , with fencing at a minimum height of 1.8 metres and topped with 0.3 metres of trellis to make climbing over more difficult .

Side gates should be a minimum of 1.8 metre high , robust and capable of being locked . Use prickly plants , such as pyracantha or climbing roses , to protect fencing , easily accessible windows and drainpipes .

Lighting and paths With the nights starting to draw in it is important that you have some lighting around your property . Energy efficient LED bulbs are the most energy efficient and they give off a good white light . At the side and rear of your property you can install a switched light ( one you switch off and on as you need it ) or one that is automatically activated by heat or a motion sensor , commonly referred to as ‘ PIR lights ’. You can find lots of examples online or in any local DIY store . Just a wee note of caution , when doing any alterations or additions , think about light pollution and is this going to impact on my neighbours ?

Gravel driveways or pathways can be attractive and help you hear the noise of approaching footsteps . Energy efficient dusk to dawn external lighting at the front and rear of your property will provide added security , as thieves do not like to be seen .

Physical security - sheds , outbuildings and garages

It is important for buildings of all types to be physically secure to deter criminal activity and reduce crime , and this includes sheds and outbuildings . People often

pay less attention to garages , sheds and other outbuildings , however these are vulnerable as they are generally not very secure and also contain expensive equipment and tools with which a burglar can use to assist them to gain entry into a home .

You should therefore ensure that all external outbuilding doors are of solid construction with suitable locks or a close

shackle padlock and lock bar fitted to it . Consider fitting non-returnable screws or coach bolts to the hinges . There are external containers available which are designed for the secure storage of mopeds , scooters , motorcycles or bicycles and other property which have attained Police Preferred Specification .

Locks should be fitted to all outbuilding windows and

32 OCTOBER 2023

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