If you are wanting to protect your home from burglars, then a state-of-the-art alarm is a must,
But Cleveland Police say there is a new weapon in the fight against home invasions - flowers.
Roses, pyracantha and berberis could all be used to stop bandits breaking-in, according to the force, who say the prickly thorns could make burglars think twice.
And with Christmas around the corner, the force claim a festive of holly could even be used to stop intruders snatching presents from under the tree.
“Prickly plants, or defensive planting, is your first line of defence against crime in and around your garden,” says Cleveland Police’s Gerry McBride in a force blog.
“The term ‘defensive planting’ is used to describe the way you can use certain prickly plants, bushes and shrubs to deter burglars.
“Think about using defensive planting around vulnerable areas such as windows, fences, boundary walls and drainpipes.”
Latest figures show that over 2,400 homes were burgled on Teesside last year - an average of over six per day.
But the force say the latest leafy security measure won’t just help keep your home safe - it will also give it a splash of colour in the process.
However it adds: “Defensive planting isn’t meant to replace other security measures such as lighting, locks and alarms, but is intended to complement it.”
