Experts at Hiatt Hardware are here to provide you with some specialist tips to help you keep your garden secure and deter thieves from your valuables this spring and summer.
1. Lock up your garden gates
Arguably the most important and effective measure you can take to keep your garden secure is to fit a garden gate lock. Often overlooked, garden gate locks are a useful deterrent to thieves and are very cost-effective, depending on which locks you consider.
Padbolt latches and auto-gate latches are just a couple of examples of products ideally suited to this purpose. Costing just a few pounds, they instantly make your garden harder to get past. Another option is the safety hasp and staple AKA the ‘padlock latch’ that’s often fitted in tandem with a regular brass padlock to keep your garden gate locked.
2. Don’t leave valuables outside
Thieves will always be on the lookout for high-value, easy-to-grab items such as garden furniture, bicycles and playing equipment, especially if it’s not locked away or protected by solid security measures.
Whether you do or don’t have ample security protecting your garden, you should still take the time to lock all of your goodies away in a shed or somewhere indoors, dissuading thieves from wanting to break in.
3. Consider putting up fencing or metal gates
Thieves are less likely to want to break into a garden with a gate and solid fencing around it; high boundary walls are even better if you have them, as they provide an even sturdier barrier between thieves and your valuables.
Reinforced metal security gates are just as secure, if not more than a regular garden gate when paired with fencing. With a metal security gate protecting your garden, rather than a standard garden gate, thieves will undoubtedly notice the money that’s been spent on security and be put off.
4. Invest in additional security measures
Fitting in CCTV cameras, smart lighting and sensors can greatly enhance your existing security measures. Thanks to advances in smart garden lighting technology, it’s possible to set up an effective lighting system for minimal cost, providing a literal spotlight for anyone who dares to break in.
Additionally, installing CCTV can give you a live feed of your garden, broadcasted straight to your smartphone. You can also get notified the moment someone unexpectedly walks through your garden gates, with the camera being triggered and potentially identifying the perpetrator.
5. Have the best locks for your gates
Once your garden is at its most secure, it’s important to make sure your gates have the most appropriate locks on, too.
While there are some very secure non-key-operated gate locks on the market, the most secure available tend to be rim locks that can be unlocked from both sides. Suitable for wooden and metal gates, they provide keyed access to your garden and offer a good level of security that a burglar will think twice about attempting to break through.
As previously mentioned, hasp and staple locks are also a great choice and are typically installed near the top of the gate. This is a non-key option that’s effective at what it does, but it comes with a limitation – you can only lock and unlock from the inside. Also, a separate padlock is needed.
No matter the type of your garden gate, there are several options you can consider to dissuade burglars from stealing from you, most of which are inexpensive and easy to implement. Be sure to consider what’s best for you and your property and keep your garden safe this spring!
