Protect your garden from green-fingered thieves

With more and more of us choosing to relax, entertain and generally spend time in our outdoor space, it is little wonder that gardening is a significant cultural pastime in Britain.

An estimated 27 million of us engage in gardening as a hobby, that’s 42 per cent of the population.

There’s no doubt that the pandemic and lockdowns in their various forms placed greater importance than ever on people enjoying their gardens for their mental and physical wellbeing.

And with the additional investment of decorative lighting, ornaments, garden gadgets, furniture and even hot tubs and bars – gardens and their contents are becoming more attractive to green fingered thieves, as outdoor spaces become an extension of our home.

According to a recent survey, there are roughly 600,000 reported thefts from UK gardens in every year. 

Nine out of ten household thefts occur in the garden with the most common target items:

1. Bicycles
2. Plant pots
3. Garden tools
4. Plants/shrubs
5. Garden gnomes and other garden ornaments
6. Delivery packages
7. Hanging baskets
8. Children’s toys
9. Outdoor furniture
10. Solar lights

So, when it comes to what you already have, think about the value and security of your outdoor possessions in the same way you view those inside the home.

Some ways in which you can provide security and protection:

• 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.
• 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.

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, go to www.safelocaltrades.com