As May arrives and the British weather finally starts to improve, many of us are heading back into our gardens. Whether it is bringing out the high-end garden furniture, uncovering the BBQ, or setting up a new hot tub, our outdoor spaces often contain thousands of pounds worth of assets during the summer months.
Unfortunately, opportunistic thieves also notice when gardens are filled with valuable items. Unlike the front of your house, which is often visible to neighbours and passers-by, back gardens can offer a “hidden” workspace for criminals.
Here is how you can ensure your outdoor assets are summer-ready and fully protected.
Identifying Your High-Value Targets
Before you plan your security, take a moment to look at your garden from a thief’s perspective. What are the “high-value” targets?
- Garden Furniture: Modern rattan or designer sets are expensive and often easy to move.
- BBQs and Pizza Ovens: High-end outdoor cooking equipment is in high demand during the spring and summer.
- Hot Tubs: Even inflatable models have significant value, while permanent ones contain expensive pumps and covers.
- Power Tools: Garden maintenance often involves leaving out lawnmowers or hedge trimmers while you take a break.
Extending Your CCTV Coverage
The most effective way to protect these assets is to ensure they are within the clear line of sight of a high-definition camera. If your current system only covers the front door and the driveway, you may have a major blind spot in the back garden.
A 4K camera mounted on the rear of your house can provide a sweeping view of your entire lawn and patio area. With “Intelligent Motion Detection,” you can set your system to ignore the movement of pets but send an instant alert to your phone if a human is detected near your BBQ or garden shed after 11:00 pm.
The Power of Active Deterrence
In a garden setting, “Active Deterrence” technology is a game-changer. These cameras don’t just record; they react.
If someone enters your garden late at night, a modern camera can be configured to flash a bright LED strobe light or even play a pre-recorded message (such as “Warning: You are being recorded”). Most garden thieves rely on the cover of darkness and silence; the moment they are hit with a spotlight and a warning, they almost always flee.
Anchoring Your Assets
Surveillance is your best tool for identification and alerts, but physical security provides the “staying power.” Whenever possible, anchor your outdoor assets to the ground or a permanent structure.
- Use high-quality ground anchors and security chains for expensive BBQs or furniture.
- Store smaller items like power tools and cushions in a locked, alarmed shed when not in use.
- If you have a permanent hot tub, ensure the cover is locked down with heavy-duty straps when you are not using it.
Lighting the Way
Criminals hate the light. A well-lit garden is a much less attractive target than a dark one.
We recommend pairing your CCTV with motion-activated LED floodlights. Not only does this act as a primary deterrent, but it also provides your cameras with the light they need to capture full-colour images at night. A “colour-at-night” camera combined with a floodlight ensures that if an incident occurs, you can provide the police with clear details about clothing colours and facial features.
Professional Garden Security Planning
Securing a garden requires a different approach than securing a front door. You have to account for growing foliage, different light levels, and the distance from your house.
At A&M UK Security, we specialise in creating unified security plans that cover every inch of your property. We can assess your garden layout and recommend the perfect combination of hardware and lighting to ensure your summer assets stay exactly where they belong.
Contact A&M UK Security today to arrange a garden security survey and enjoy the sunshine with total peace of mind.
