Theft from gardens and outbuildings is on the increase and so it is important to make sure your outdoor space is secure to prevent intruders from gaining access and stealing your property.

The first important thing is to make sure your home insurance covers the garden and outbuildings just in case you need to claim. There will probably be a clause in the insurance documents that requires you to take the necessary precautions to prevent unlawful access.

Ensuring the boundary of your garden is secure is essential. Inspect all fencing and walls to make sure they are in good repair and consider a topping which may dissuade an intruder. If you have hedges think about planting thorny shrubs or trees such as pyracanth also known as firethorn or berberis on your boundary.

All sheds and outbuildings should have substantial door locks and padlocks and valuable equipment should be out of sight should anyone look through the windows.

If you have CCTV on your property, it is a good idea to have cameras that give a view of the garden giving a clear picture that can be used to identify an intruder. Newer security systems have features enabling the householder to view the garden in real time so that the police can be contacted at the time the offence is being committed.