Waterford gardaí issue advice for securing your garden this summer

An Garda Síochána in Waterford have issued advice to the public on protecting their gardens this summer.

A spokesperson for the gardaí said that taking precautions in your garden improves home security and reduces your risk of burglary.

"When we think of Crime Prevention and how we can secure our homes, we often forget to consider our gardens and everything in them," said the garda spokesperson.

The gardaí advise that fences to the rear of a garden be at least six feet tall and fix trellis to the top.

Side gates or doors should be robust, locked with good quality padlocks or deadlocks, and that cannot be lifted off their hinges.

Regularly check for damage or weakness and repair as necessary.    

Sheds, Garages and outhouses should be kept closed and locked when not in use and good condition..

Homeowners should consider fitting metal grilles or strong mesh to windows and a net curtain inside to prevent a person from seeing in and securing doors with mortice deadbolts.

If using a padlock, ensure that the hasp and staple are fitted securely and bolted through the door with concealed screws/bolts or with anti-tamper screws or bolts.

Connect to your home intruder alarm system if you have one installed.   On driveways and paths, gravel can be helpful to alert you to potential intruders.

An overgrown garden conveys a message that the owner may be absent.

If going away for a prolonged period, consider getting your grass cut during your absence.

Keep shrubs, hedges and large plants such as trees pruned and cut back so as not to afford cover for thieves and also to allow better surveillance.

Consider defensive planting, like a dense prickly hedge along the perimeter.

"Most would-be intruders will be deterred from seeking entry through this route," said the spokesperson.

Machinery and tools are not only attractive to thieves because of their value, but also as implements to break into your home.

Don’t leave ladders or garden tools like spades and forks lying around the garden.

Lock away in your shed any valuable machinery such as lawn mowers, shredders, power washers, and bicycles.

It is also a good idea to further secure these items within the garage or shed.

Other tools, such as hammers and screwdrivers, should be kept in a secure, lockable container within your garage or shed.

Consider property marking any valuable items.   Garden furniture and ornaments are also valuable and should be secured.

Take photos and make notes of all scratches, indentations and defects.  And lastly, dark gardens allow thieves to hide.   

Fit exterior lights that have sensors attached.

The public should note that under the Occupiers' Liability Act 1995 and Insurance, you have a duty of care in relation to visitors on your premises or grounds, including trespassers.

That includes not to intentionally or with reckless disregard injure a person on your property.