Boundary
- Lower fences at the front of a property around 1 metre high are better than high fences as they allow for natural vision over and do not provide cover for someone hiding.
- At the rear and sides of a property taller fencing is recommended to prevent easy access; a minimum height 1.8 metre is advised. Contact your local planning office to find out how high rear and side boundaries can be for your property.
- Consider someone climbing over a fence or gate and try to make it difficult for them to do so by adding light trellis, thorny plants or a suitable anti climb topping such as a bed of small rigid plastic cones. Barbed wire or broken glass is not recommended on walls or fences.
- Planting along boundaries and fence lines acts a powerful natural barrier to someone getting in. Thorny plants make a great deterrent when planted in depth at vulnerable spots on boundaries. Gravel driveways and paths are ideal at preventing a silent approach. Lighting can help to identify movement and deter intruders.
- See the lighting section for more details. Remember most criminals will not target your home if the risk to them of being seen, noticed and getting caught is too great.
- Video surveillance systems can alert you to someone getting inside your boundary if it is linked to a smart phone.
Remember most criminals will not target your home if the risk to them of being seen, noticed and getting caught is too great.