A GARDEN design that aims to reduce crime can be viewed at a flower show.
Essex Police are designing out crime at the RHS Garden Hyde Hall Flower Show with a secure garden display.
The design of the show garden demonstrates ways to keep your garden safe and secure whilst remaining a peaceful space.
Many of the methods of adding security to your garden aim to be cheap and quick to do, but can make a big difference to the safety of your home.
Essex Police Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington said: “Gardens are a place to relax, unwind or spend time with loved ones.
“They can also be purposeful and help make your home more secure. With a few small changes to your garden, you can help protect your home and reduce your chances of being a victim of crime.”
The Design Out Crime Team specialise in giving advice on security for new and refurbished buildings.
The team is working on projects at new housing developments, schools, hospitals and even football stadiums.
The garden was designed in partnership with the Essex Police Design Out Crime Team, Secured by Design (SBD), RHS Hyde Hall and the Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst.
Heather Gurden, Strategic Designing Out Crime Officer and lead on the garden project, said: “The pandemic has highlighted the importance of being able to access open spaces, be that within our homes or in parks and communal areas.
“‘Safer green spaces’ are more than just a garden, it’s about creating a sense of wellbeing, with security measures blending in seamlessly into the background.
“The garden showcases that security does not need to be a fortress in nature, but can be subliminal, aesthetically pleasing and integrated with a garden. While most importantly still being affordable.”
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The team hopes to reduce crime and help residents in Essex live in a safer society with the designs which aim to reduce the chances of homes being burgled.
The Essex Police Secure Garden is open now at RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Chelmsford until Sunday, August 7.
For further information on the garden, security features contained within it and crime prevention advice, visit https://www.securedbydesign.com/royal-horticultural-society-flower-show.
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