FAMILIES are being urged to foil intruders by planting thorny bushes.

 

Police are dishing out gardening tips to homeowners in a bid to make properties less attractive to thieves.

Officers said residents can make their home more secure by planting spiky and spiny shrubs.

Defensive plants, including Hawthorn, Pyracantha, and even the fearsome sounding Firethorn, could help discourage thieves.

The advice states: "The advice states: "Ensure that your boundary fence is in good repair and it should be constructed in a way that is difficult to climb.

"A good idea is to plant shrubs, which are prickly such as Berberis, Hawthorn and Pyracantha etc.

"This will help deter an intruder trying to enter your property."

It comes amid a spate of break-ins in Lanarkshire.

One police officer told the Evening Times: "It is a bit unconventional for cops to hand out gardening advice.

"But if it helps deter thieves, I'm all for it."

The advice continued: "Valuable equipment such as lawnmowers, bicycles and golf clubs are often stolen from sheds, garages and outhouses because the security is inadequate.

"Finally never leave tools or ladders lying around the garden. They may be used by a thief to break into your property."

Last month, the Evening Times revealed how brazen thieves are breaking into garden sheds - by dismantling them.

Police said well prepared raiders - armed with screwdrivers - remove the doors off huts in an attempt to nick valuable items inside.

While residents sleep, the culprits are unscrewing hinges to try and get their hands on anything, from garden furniture and golf clubs to power tools and lawn mowers.

Thieves are also stealing valuable bikes and police encourage owners to use security marking.

Special detectable liquids ensure officers can trace the stolen item, that has been registered by the owner.

The advice added: "Protect your property by marking it with an ultraviolet pen or engraving it with your postcode and house number.

"Linking your garden tools and furniture with a chain and padlock, when not in use, will also reduce the chances of theft."