Keeping our homes safe is a top priority for us all, and the security of our gardens and yards is one of the most important parts of home security. There are many things in our gardens that can add risk without us realising, and they are all important to consider, but fortunately most of these are easy to improve on.

Front garden security and garden gate security usually get the most attention, but don’t forget your yard or rear garden. With a little time and effort, you can boost the security* of your entire home so you and your family can rest easier.

*Playing the ‘Mission Impossible’ soundtrack while you work on this is entirely optional…

Garden Fence Security

A good fence is a solid outline for all your garden security. If we’re building a new fence, we plan it with security in mind:

• Keep it as close to the ground as possible so burglars can’t get through any gaps.
• Make sure your fencing panels are firmly attached to the fencing posts so pieces can’t be easily removed.
• Keep bracing on the inside of the fence, and place it at 45-degree angles do it can’t be used as a foothold for climbing.
• Plan the placement of fencing panels and gates carefully for the best results.

A secure garden fence needs to be in good condition so it’s strong and reliable, but also so that it looks like someone is paying attention – this will tell scouting burglars that you have taken care of security in the rest of your home too, so best they move on.

When installing a new garden fence or upgrading the security of an existing one, make sure you don’t exceed local height restrictions. In the UK, standard fence height limits are:

• Front garden fencing: 1.2 metres
• Rear garden fencing: 2 metres (This also applies to fence height between neighbours.)
• Next to a highway or footpath: 1 metre

These limits apply to the height of your garden gates too, and remember that trellises and other toppings count as part of these heights, so include them in your measurements. Some boroughs and cities have different regulations, so always check before you start building.

Wall Security

Walls will add to the security of just about any garden, but look out for crumbling cement, unsteady foundations or uneven bricks that are easier to climb, and check the wall structure regularly.

Are you concerned that your wall isn’t high enough? It’s sometimes possible to add fencing on top of a wall, but check that the wall itself is stable and in good condition first.

It’s easy and cost-effective to upgrade your garden security and look extra-stylish with trellises and fence/wall toppings. Some excellent tips from Lincolnshire Police to deter would-be burglars:

• Avoid ironwork or trellises that can be held onto or used to gain a foothold.
• Use diamond-shaped trellises as these are more difficult to climb.
• A trellis or wall topping can be even more effective if it’s covered in thorny/prickly plants!
• Police don’t recommend using commercial toppings such as razor wire though, and we definitely don’t want our homes to look like prisons.

Metropolitan Police and Lincolnshire Police both point out that you should pay attention to plant life and hedges next to your garden walls and fences.

• They recommend keeping these high around the back and sides of your home (up to fence height limits.)
• Here too, a nice thorny/spiky type of hedge can provide extra protection.
• For front boundaries, good visibility is important. They say it’s better to keep hedges, walls and fences to a maximum of 1 metre, so burglars can’t use them as a hiding spot.

Garden Gate Security

Gates can be a welcoming entrance to your property and a strong barrier that keeps you and your home secure – it all depends on your gate design and construction.

The quality and installation of your gates will play a big role in security, so check warranties and look for gate parts and materials that you can rely on.

Secure garden gates need to be the same height as the walls or fences they’re connected to:

• Gates should be at the front of your property or where they’re fully visible – then you can also have a solid barrier around the rear garden and sides of your property.
• If you’re adding a trellis to your garden fence, why not add it to the gates too?
• It’s tempting to place a gate where walls/fences of different heights meet up, but that can leave gaps and create footholds for climbing. Rather place your gate in another spot and/or make those fence heights match up with extra panels, trellises, or curved/stepped panels.

Make the most of your gate construction and design:

• Think about the trade-off between garden privacy and good visibility. Is it worth having closed panels nobody can see through if it means burglars can hide behind them and avoid being spotted?
• Make sure the gaps between boards/bars on your gate aren’t large enough to climb through.
• If you have pets, smaller gaps can keep them safer too while still providing great visibility.
• If you choose an iron gate, avoid designs that provide climbing footholds – a straight, vertical bar design usually works well.
• Keep the spaces between posts/hinges and the gate as small as possible, and rather have hinges on the inside of the gate.

Gate furniture and locks can also play an important role. On wooden gates, a quality security hasp and staples are a good bet, along with a sliding bolt at the bottom of the gate. If you add any gate furniture or extras, check that these are securely fitted and that they help to prevent any climbing attempts.

The quality of your fixings, padlocks and bolts will be a major factor in the overall security of your gate and home, so choose wisely.

Visit the Harlestone Supplies website to find everything you need to make your home and garden more secure. We have a comprehensive range to meet your garden fencing, wall, and gate security requirements, and our team is on standby to help with advice and information – give us a call on 01604 581444 and let’s make your home more secure, together.