Call for green fingered heroes (From Gazette Series)

Call for green fingered heroes

HOME-OWNERS are being urged to use their green fingers to help protect their properties.

A new leaflet produced by Crimestoppers and Gloucestershire police is offering residents advice on beating the burglar with the help of mother nature.

The leaflet contains guidance on defensive planting - using plants to create natural barriers for burglars and thieves - as well as other advice on securing sheds, gardens and homes.

Gloucestershire Crimestoppers has funded the leaflet and spokeswoman Julia Richardson said this is the perfect time of year to think about crime reduction.

"At this time of year many of us will be in the process of overhauling and tidying up the garden for the spring and summer months," she said.

"We have a prime opportunity while people are buying new plants and equipment for the garden to get the crime reduction message across.

"The leaflet is also aimed at seeking information on criminals stealing from gardens, for example we would very much like to hear from anyone who is offered garden equipment and ornaments for sale."

The plants suggested to improve garden and home security within the leaflet include berberis, Hedgehog holly, firethorn, and japonica.

Used in borders and hedges these plants, and others, are prickly and can be just as effective as security fencing at keeping thieves and burglars out.

Crime reduction officer PC Paul Francis said the plants have been used for many years as natural security systems and do work.

He added: "It is at this time of year, when people are dusting off their garden furniture and equipment for the warmer months, that we need to let people know of the steps they should be taking to help protect their gardens, sheds and homes."

Other advice contained within the leaflet includes:

* Fitting metal grills, reinforced hinges and locks on garden sheds.

* Marking garden equipment indelibly and boldly to make it less attractive to thieves and easier to trace and reunite with owners.

* Using good lighting, such as low level lighting on a dusk to dawn sensor, in the garden.

* Gravel can be used on paths and driveways to make it easier to hear people approaching the property.

* Water features, such as ponds, can form a barrier to stop thieves getting to vulnerable sheds or windows.

There are 5,000 leaflets available and anyone who would like a copy or further advice can contact police on 0845 090 1234 or speak to PC Paul Francis on 01242 276301 or Julia Richardson on 01242 276253.