Advice
RHS Help & Advice
Garden security
An increased awareness of security within the garden can help prevent losses or damage to valued items. By undertaking a few simple precautions now, losses could be prevented later.
Preparation
Few homeowners are aware of the total value of the equipment, structures and plants in their gardens. Yet most household insurance policies only offer limited cover. Policies often cover sheds and glasshouses but not decking or pergolas, and usually there will be no insurance cover for plants and garden features. There may be provision of some cover for temporary additions in the garden, such as mowers and garden furniture, but there is often no cover for other items.
Defences
Secure boundaries are the first line of defence. The typical fence of 1.8m (6ft) will not deter intruders - attach 50cm (20in) sections of trellis to the top or run horizontal wires between post extensions. Hedges create good barriers; thorny shrubs such as berberis and pyracantha are particularly effective. In front gardens it is better to have low fences which will not screen intruders. Gravel drives and paths make it difficult for an intruder to approach a property quietly. Locks could be fitted to gates, top and bottom, and hinges secured with bolts, ensuring that gates cannot be lifted off. Security lighting and CCTV cameras (below) will serve as additional deterrents.
Anchorage
Land anchors are available to secure larger plants, garden furniture and ornaments. Installing electronic tags in larger plants or containers and attaching movement detectors to statues should be effective deterrents. For small, valuable plants such as a bonsai, a steel cable can be used to secure the planting container (left). For added security, mark or engrave items with a postcode and house number.
Freestanding containers can be cemented in place, bolted down or secured by running a chain through the drainage holes and locking it to something fixed. Alternatively, fill the base with bricks to make a container too heavy to move.
Protecting large items
Most garden sheds are easy to break into. Hinges should be attached with coach bolts and windows fitted with locks and wire mesh. Install a stand-alone alarm device or extend house alarm systems. Garden tools and machinery can be personalised with paint to make them less desirable to thieves and then firmly secured. Your local police Crime Prevention Officer can provide a range of further advice on garden security measures.
Tony Dickerson