LANDSCAPING

The use of ditches filled with gravel or sand, earth banking, rockeries or other physical obstructions such as seats or large flowerpots can provide effective means of restricting vehicular access. Such measures may be combined into an attractive setting which is effective without being fortress like.

In designing such measures care needs to be taken to avoid providing would-be intruders with the means of overcoming walls, fences or other barriers.

Make sure only low-level plants and shrubs are used close to the building or fenceline. This will deny the intruders cover and make surveillance easy.

Thorny bushes or shrubs may be used to protect vulnerable areas around the building, particularly around windows or fall pipes, which could be used to gain easy access. In addition such plants could be used as an alternative to fencing, channelling visitors to reception areas. Police leaflets on garden security may give details of suitable plants.

USEFUL LINKS:

www.securedbydesign.com
www.met.police.uk/crimeprevention/garden.htm
www.crimereduction.gov.uk