The rear of a property is a common entry point for burglars - aim to make it more difficult for someone to gain access.

Adding a trellis is an easy way to increase the height of your garden fence.

Dense and prickly shrubs add to the difficulty of scaling a fence. Shrubs you can use include berberis, hawthorn, climbing roses, and holly.

The bushes may scratch an intruder which increases the chances of them leaving DNA at the scene.

A more extreme measure like adding barbed wire or broken glass is only permitted on a fence that is eight feet high.

However, most local council planning regulations only permit a residential fence to be erected to a maximum height of six feet. Check regulations with your local council.