10 Ways to Safeguard Your Garden Against Thieves and Burglary

Sadly, rural crime is on the rise, including dog thefts, garden break-ins and farm robberies. Here, Sally Coulthard takes a look at these three hotspots and what we can do to help prevent them.

How to prevent garden theft

Just over half a million thefts are reported every year from British gardens. Popular targets include lawn mowers, furniture, tools, plant pots, lighting, garden gnomes, koi carp and even vegetables. So how can we prevent our gardens being burgled and deter thieves from entering them? Here are some simple measures you can take to protect your garden from theft:

1. Secure the boundaries of your property, particularly at the rear where it might be harder to see an intruder.
2. Fix a trellis at the top of a fence or grow a thorny climber. Both are good deterrents, as is a thick hedge. Read our guide on the best climbing plants for your garden here.
3. Keep fences and walls low in front gardens to prevent hidden corners.
4. Consider gravel paths, which make it hard for an intruder to approach quietly.
5. Install security lighting that comes on automatically.
6. Mark property, such as garden tools, potted plants and lawn mowers, with your postcode.
7. Use ground or earth anchors to secure garden furniture, containers and ornaments. Alternatively, cement or bolt them down.
8. Do your homework. Ensure your outdoor belongings are included on your home insurance and that your policy provides sufficient cover for their value.
9. Lock away high-value items, such as tools or your lawn mower, in a secure building that keeps them out of sight.
10. Beware repeat offenders. If you replace a stolen item, upgrade the security of where you store it. Thieves are known to return for the replacement.

How to prevent dog theft

Sales of dogs have rocketed in the past few months: on its website alone, The Kennel Club recently reported a 168% surge in searches for puppies. This, unfortunately, has inflated the price tags of our dogs and made them a target for thieves. A BBC report last year showed a significant increase in canine theft in five policing areas, with Devon, Cornwall and Northumbria experiencing the biggest rise. The good news, however, is that there are plenty of common-sense ways to keep your pet safe:

1. Avoid leaving your dog alone outside, even for short periods, and train them to come back when called.
2. Secure your garden and consider fitting a bell to a garden gate so you can hear if anyone enters.
3. Ensure your dog is micro-chipped. This is a legal requirement by the time they’re eight weeks old. It’s a quick and simple procedure available from your vet, or from Blue Cross centres (bluecross.org.uk) for free.
4. Fit a collar with up-to-date contact details, including a mobile number.
5. Consider neutering your dog – thieves often target dogs they can use for breeding.
6. Get references for potential dog- sitters or walkers and make sure you have photos of your dog from various angles, and a note of distinguishing.
7. Read our full guide on dog theft here.