Police provide advice for deterring vandals and intruders to homes

THAMES Valley Police has released its recommendations for avoiding vandalism and deterring intruders.

Police recommend a number of steps to make breaking into or vandalising your home harder.

The use of high walls and fences around a property is discouraged, and fences no higher than one metre are recommended.

This means that the property can easily be seen by neighbours and the public, and makes it harder for an intruder to hide.

Police say that an intruder may be more tempted by a property if it cannot be seen from the street.

Lighting is also recommended during dark hours, with low-level white lighting being most ideal.

They also recommend making the boundaries of your property clear.

Low fences, walls, hedges or flower beds can be used to mark a clear line to indicate where public access ends and private property begins.

Police say that this makes cases of trespass more obvious.

They discourage the use of rockeries or large stones, which may be used by vandals.

Similarly, it is recommended that ground floor windows are protected.

Security film can be applied, which makes it harder to smash the glass, and prickly bushes can be used to safeguard potentially vulnerable points.

Areas to the side and behind properties are recommended to be secured with a fence of at least two metres in height.

Police say that the use of a lightweight trellis over the top of fencing can also deter potential intruders.

They help to conceal potential entry points, and are too lightweight to be used to gain entry.

The police also advise that exteriors are left tidy and free of rubbish, or items such as bins or ladders which could be used to vandalise a property.

There is also an accreditation scheme for home security products which are recommended by the police.

The Secured By Design scheme gives recommendations on locks, glazing, lighting, garages and shutters, as well as vehicle storage and CCTV solutions.

The scheme also provides a list of accredited suppliers, and advice on home, personal, and cyber security.

For advice and a list of accredited products, visit www. securedbydesign.com.