04 Apr How to Protect Your Garden, Shed, and Home from Burglars 🚨

It might not seem obvious, but keeping your garden and outbuildings secure isn’t just about protecting your plants – it’s also about keeping your bikes, tools, and valuables safe! Plus, it can stop burglars from accessing tools they might use to break into your home. 🛠️🏠 

Here are some top tips to help secure your garden, shed, and home from Thames Valley Police: 

1. Secure Rear and Side Access 🚪: When you’re working in the garden, make sure any back or side doors and windows are secured to prevent ‘walk in’ or ‘reach in’ thefts. 
2. Low Front Boundaries 🌿: Keep hedges or walls at the front of your house low (under 1 metre). This reduces hiding spots for burglars and helps neighbours spot anything suspicious. 
3. Lock Side Gates 🔒: Always keep side gates locked! Open gates make it easy for burglars to slip in unnoticed by passers-by or neighbours. 
4. Secure Side and Rear Boundaries 🌳: Create defensive planting by using tall hedges, walls, or fences around your back garden, prickly plants to make it harder for burglars to climb over. 
5. Gravel Your Driveways and Paths 🪶: Gravel is a great deterrent! It makes a lot of noise when walked on, making it harder for burglars to sneak around unnoticed. 
6. Install Security Lighting 💡: Outdoor security lights are a great way to prevent intruders from approaching without being seen. Lighting up the outside of your home is an easy deterrent! 
7. Get a Burglar Alarm System 🔔: A well-placed burglar alarm can scare off potential intruders. It’s a simple yet effective way to protect your home. 
8. Secure Your Shed and Outbuildings 🏠🔒: Always lock up your shed and outbuildings, especially if they contain valuable items like power tools, bikes, or garden equipment. Ensure they are anchored down to prevent easy access. 
9. Don’t Leave Tools Lying Around 🔨: It’s tempting to leave tools in the garden, but they can be used by burglars to break into your home. Always store them securely. 

If you’ve noticed anything suspicious, have CCTV or dashcam footage of suspects, or have any information about crime in your area, report it to Thames Valley Police. You can use their online reporting portal at www.thamesvalley.police.uk or call 101 for non-emergencies. In case of a crime in progress, dial 999 immediately. 

Want to remain anonymous? You can pass information to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, free of charge. 

Check out your local neighbourhood policing priorities here: Thames Valley Police Stay safe and secure! 🔐🏡 #HomeSecurity #GardenProtection #BurglaryPrevention #StaySafe #ThamesValleyPolice #SecureYourShed #CrimePrevention #HomeSafety