Building a secure sanctuary

By Emma Peterson. 

5 tips for creating an outdoor space that is not only stunning, but safe and secure. 

In the era of porch thieves and garden snoopers, having some sort of security set up on the outside of a house has become commonplace. But what security actually works? Designing an outdoor space that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also safe and secure can be a bit of a challenge at times. But here are 5 tips that can help you create a protected outdoor space for your customers while providing peace of mind and comfort!  

1 – Light it up  

Lighting is one of the easiest and most common security measures to add to an outdoor space. Anthony Neary, the founder of security retail Safe.co.uk, explained why this is, sharing, “Security lighting is a great deterrent because burglars thrive on darkness. A well-lit garden makes them feel exposed and increases their risk of being seen.” 

In general, motion-sensing lighting is the best option. Kate Baker, lighting design advisor at 4lite, shared, “For maximum energy efficiency, opt for motion-sensor lights with PIR (passive infrared) technology. The sudden switch of the light coming on as it detects motion also draws attention and signals that the property is protected – even if no one’s home.” 

2 – CCTV 

Another efficient security option that has become increasingly common is CCTV cameras. When we say that, you might think of the bulky dome cameras in malls or stores, but something as simple as a video-recording doorbell or smart camera also falls into the category of CCTV.  

The benefits of this security measure are pretty self-explanatory, but one big thing you must think about when designing a space with CCTV in mind is visibility. A recording becomes far less helpful if instead of watching the front door or garden gate, it takes a video of a tree branch that grew in front of it. It can also be helpful to make sure the camera itself is in clear view, as just seeing the presence of a camera can be a deterrent for many would-be thieves.  

3 – Chains and locks 

Even as we move forward technologically with CCTV cameras and motion-sensors, it is important not to forget the security basics that are tried and true. A good quality chain or padlock can be a gamechanger for protecting outdoor spaces. Many times, when burglars are investigating a property, they want an easy target as the less time they take to get in, the less chance they have of being caught. By investing in a strong padlock and chain, you make the space far less interesting to burglars. Anthony explained, “Locks are about creating enough of a challenge to make a thief move on to an easier target.” 

4 – Fences and gates 

On a similar note, a simple fence and gate are a powerful way to protect a space. Morris Hankinson, founder and managing director of Hopes Grove Nurseries, shared, “The most important thing to do when securing your garden from thieves is to make sure all boundaries are secure.” 

And designing a fence into a space does more than just deter burglars! It can be a great way to build a private oasis for your clients or a safety net to keep pets or small children out of harm’s way!  

5 – Defensive planting 

Another great way to implement both an aesthetic design element and a security measure is by investing in defensive planting. Richard Barker, the horticulture expert at LBS Horticulture, gave an example of what this might look like. He shared, “Thorny plants like climbing roses or hawthorn bushes can be particularly effective in creating dense, sharp barriers that are difficult to pass through.” 

It is important to balance defensive planting with visibility needs. Richard explained, “Be mindful that burglars can use overgrown vegetation as a hiding spot in gardens, so it's important to choose plants that are extremely dense or have sharp thorns to create a strong barrier.”  

Learn more about creating a secure sanctuary for your clients!