In South Africa,
we are fortunate enough to have the space to grow our own beautiful gardens. We
all like to pride ourselves on the beauty we have created; but have you ever
stopped to think if your garden compromises your security?
Let’s start with gardens
that are well kept. Hedges, and bushy plants create good hiding spaces for
criminals. Most of the time, these areas are not well lit, and this creates a
good surprise tactic for a criminal when you return home. If you want these
types of plants, then make sure they are well lit at all times! Make sure you
remember that they are a weak point in your security, and always be congnicent
of the fact that someone may be lurking there.
Tall trees are
also a good place to hide, so always remember to look up!
Gardens that are
not well pruned and looked after become sleeping places amoungst other things,
for the potential criminal. If you are going away for a lenghly preriod, make
sure you have arranged for your garden to be kept tidy!
The ‘broken window
syndrome’ generally refers to graffitti and derelict buildings. The train of
thought is that if one property looks unkept, then criminals start seeing this
area as a place to breed more crime. ‘The residents don’t care = they won’t
mind us here’. The same can be said about your garden. Foilage and dead/untidy
gardens are also a contributing factor in this regard.
The Do’s and
Don’ts when gardening for your secuirty:
·
DO plant
cacti and thorny bushes on your verges if you are having issues with the
homeless using your property for ablution facilities
·
DO
keep low cut hedges around your permimeter so that you can easily see
your boundary
·
DO
make sure to keep your garden well lit; especially in the more dense areas
·
DON’T
have large over-hanging trees over your fence (especially if you have electric
fencing). These branches make for good ladders!
·
DON’T
let your garden become unruly and over-grown
·
TRY
avoid keeping your garden furniture close to boundary walls (another good
ladder)
·
DO
avoid becoming complacent when coming home- check all corners and be aware of
your surroundings
·
DON’T
use outdoor alarm technology that will just false alarm continuously. There are
various devices for different applications; so make sure your sales person
explains how the device works, and that it is the correct one for your outdoor
area
·
DO fit
locks and possible alarm equipment in your outdoor shed
Keep our Village
and community looking beautiful with your colourful gardens; and always keep in
mind that you can garden to improve your security!