The ever-increasing popularity and sophistication of gardening has not
gone unnoticed by the criminal. Garden crime is a reality. According to
police statistics, the most likely items to be stolen are mowers, strimmers,
chain saws, hedge trimmers, garden furniture and plants.

Nature herself provides one of the best solutions to many garden crimes.
With careful thought and planning you can reduce the risk of becoming a
victim of garden crime, whilst at the same time creating an attractive
garden. For instance you can create an impenetrable hedge, which looks
far more attractive than security fencing but is just as effective.

Planting prickly shrubs around vulnerable windows can also serve as a
deterrent to the burglar. By careful planning you can produce a beautiful
garden and reduce the risk of being the next victim of garden crime.

Criminals do not like climbing through prickly plants and hedges. They
know that a small item of ripped clothing or blood can help the police
identify them. For a full list of defensive plants please visit: http://www.chiltern.gov.uk/homesecurity or
http://www.southbucks.gov.uk/homesecurity

You can also contact Chiltern District Council and South Bucks District Council’s Joint Community
Safety team on 01494 586535 and for further crime reduction advice you can visit:
https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/advice/ www.chiltern.gov.uk/crimereduction or
www.southbucks.gov.uk/crimereduction or follow us on Twitter @csafetycdcsbdc