Keep hedges, trees and shrubs trimmed to a reasonable height to allow your neighbours maximum view of your property.
A gate in front of the drive acts as a good physical and psychological barrier and it makes it more difficult to sneak past. Remember to keep it closed.
Outside lighting and alarms are an excellent deterrent and are proven to reduce the risk of burglary. Curtains, voiles or blinds prevent a burglar seeing what’s in your home for them to steal.

• Low or damaged fencing allows easy access to your property. Gates, fencing, walls or hedges should be at least 1.8 metres high.
• Fit a wooden trellis fixed to the top as an effective deterrant. If climbed, it will break, create noise and attract attention.
• Gates at the side or back of the house should be kept locked with a good quality bolt and padlock.
• Garden sheds should be kept locked with a padlock or mortise deadlock as they often contain tools suitable for breaking into your home and valuable equipment such as lawn mowers.
• Don’t leave ladders lying around. These provide the burglar with the means to climb into upstairs windows. Keep them locked in a garage or shed, or chained to a wall.

In the garden:
Bushes and shrubs can be a burglar's dream in providing cover for their activities. However, they can be made into a burglar's nightmare. The planting of a prickly hedge, such as firethorn, climbing rose or hawthorn, against existing fencing will act as a powerful deterrent.

Other plants which provide natural protection are:

• Holly
• Blackthorn
• Pyracantha
• Berberis
• Rosa
• Rugosa

Many garden centres will be able to identify these plants and those most suitable for your garden.

Lighting:
Some exterior lights have an infra-red sensor which switches the light on for a few minutes when it detects something in its range.
Timers to switch on lights and radios inside the home while you are out are a good deterrent.
Make the home look and sound occupied even if you are out.