Garden security – open gate is an invitation to a burglar

Garda Crime Watch with Sergeant Michael Walsh

They say you shouldn’t choose a book by its cover; however, the burglar may pick your home based on its garden. Your garden is not only your first line of defence, but it can also say a lot about you and what you’ve got behind closed doors.

While there are many things you can do to improve the security of your garden, there are a number of things you can do to make the garden itself a barrier to entry.

Before breaking into a house, burglars have to come up with an effective plan. As they case a property the three main features they are looking for are easy access, indications that there’s nobody home, and poor security.

An open gate is an invitation onto your property, so keeping gates closed and locked it a huge deterrent. No matter how low that gate is, a criminal knows that if they have to climb over a gate or fence, they are trespassing, and this increases the risk of being seen and caught.

Gardens that are tidy and well maintained, with a clear line of sight across the garden create an environment where there is nowhere to hide.

Trimmed plants and a neatly mowed lawns give the appearance of an occupied house. Gravel paths and driveways are also known to discourage the burglar as they are unavoidably noisy.

You should monitor the growth of your landscaping so it doesn’t cover too much of your house, as that clear line of sight improves natural surveillance and eyes on your property.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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