Some helpful tips to keep your garden/property secure.

* Cover paths or driveways with gravel so you can hear when someone approaches your house.

* Using lighting in your drive and garden not only improves the ambience. It also deters intruders. Motion-sensing lights are particularly effective.

* Think of your garden security as the first line of defence against intruders for your home. Use good quality locks on gates and make sure fences are high enough to put off intruders. If a fence can be easily scaled by thieves, use a trellis to make it harder to climb.

* Let nature give you a helping hand by planting prickly but pretty shrubs to reinforce other security measures. For example, Berberis, Pyracantha, Holly, Rosa Rugosa “Rubra”.

* Putting up a shed in your garden or allotment? Locate it somewhere passers-by or neighbours can see it. Use tamper-proof screws on locks and hinges, or grind down screw heads with a drill.

* Fit alarms to garages and sheds. Don't leave valuable items on display