The Crime Prevention Website

Please find below the latest newsletter from Stephen Armson-Smith, the crime prevention guy from Essex Police.

In this one he reminds us about the usefulness of defensive plants. As Corporal Jones would have said to Captain Mannering: “They don’t like it up ‘em, Captain, they don’t like it up ‘em”. And thanks for the link to my website Stephen!

Please read on...

Some years ago a previous Crime Prevention Officer, now retired, penned the successful crime prevention campaign “Burglaris Disembowelis” and just like a number of good movies and TV series it is worthy of a remake.

As we enter spring and the weather improves again we venture into the garden and the garden centres. Do you think of protecting your property while choosing that attractive plant? “Burglaris Disembowelus” using spiky plants and shrubs to protect your boundaries, vulnerable windows, statues and garden ornaments. Just think about it; fragrant attractive spiky plants and shrubs that can be used to deter the thief and burglar. A trellis with a climbing rose looks nice, smells nice and those curved thorns are a great deterrent. In other areas, such as in front of fences, consider species such as Berberis, Mahonia, Holly and Pyracantha, the list is endless and if there is concern about children playing in the garden then consider soft planting in front of it. A chat to staff at your local garden centre will provide you with the knowledge to choose the right plant or shrub with the right habits or you can have a look at the list at:

 http://thecrimepreventionwebsite.com/garden-boundaries-fences-and-defensive-plants/618/defensive-plants-shrubs-and-trees-shrub-fences/

Barbed wire and spiky toppings are unattractive. Make use of what nature has and, unlike man-made spikes, natural spikes do not require warning signs - just a little care and attention. When a large number of burglaries are committed at the backs of properties it makes sense to protect your boundaries and keep robust tall gates securely locked. Don’t forget your shed's security too - nothing of value in there? Well it adds insult to injury when they get your garden spade from your shed to break into your house [or your neighbour’s].

For further crime prevention advice [in Essex] contact your local Crime Prevention Officer by dialling 101 or see https://www.essex.police.uk/advice .

Stephen Armson-Smith

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