@fidgetbones that is worth a thought, 😊 it could go inside a window. A few houses in the street have similar, discreet signs. Maybe a dummy camera strategically positioned, would reinforce the fear-factor.
Sorry to witness the demise of the forum. 😥😥😥😡😡😡I am Spartacus
That is a good idea @CrankyYankee 🤗 - a light aimed at he gate could be triggered by the movement of the gate = perfect! I think there are solar-powered and non-wired versions about. I agree, the stronger the beam, the better...not a blinding light, but something momentarily irritating to the eyes.
Sorry to witness the demise of the forum. 😥😥😥😡😡😡I am Spartacus
Both @KT53, it has happened before with littering, breaking plants, once a smart plant in a smart planter was nicked, so now I grow plants that are not worth stealing (too much effort for not enough gain). A few times, there has been urination. Mainly littering with beer cans and fast-food wrappers. It is that time of year: school holidays, university holidays....plus summer. It mainly seems to be clubbers returning around 3am (Thursday, Friday and Saturday being the worst). There has also been rubbish dumping (often from some students as they clear their rooms before the summer holidays).
Sorry to witness the demise of the forum. 😥😥😥😡😡😡I am Spartacus
I'd put something discreet on the gate @clematisdorset. My back gate has a sliding bolt which allows a padlock to be inserted through two holes which line up when the bolt is closed. Perhaps a local locksmith could supply and fit something like this for you. And I thought south coast living was retirement heaven! Poor you, I can see how difficult this must be.
Thankyou @Plantminded, 🤗 and yes, that sounds like the type of discreet hardware that would not attract the wrong attention. It may need to be bespoke but that would be ok. I think the combination of clubs, beaches, fairly good weather plus university students and tourists, all add up to a higher foot-fall. I really should have checked the routes from the clubs before moving here, but I suppose the beach was obvious enough! 😁 I did not realise how slovenly humanity was getting...it has been a bit eye-opening. The public bins and toilets are probably not as numerous or as well-kept any more either...it does all add up. I am more of a lover of 'peace and quiet' so it can be challenging!
Sorry to witness the demise of the forum. 😥😥😥😡😡😡I am Spartacus
@clematisdorset When you said they use your garden as a shortcut the whole reasoning made sense. Prior to that I couldn't see any reason for people to randomly come into your garden.
Try adjusting the latch tension, so it's stiffer and takes more oomph to open. You can also add a discreet shim or wedge in a sneaky spot to make it even trickier for those unwanted louts to mess around.
Posts
I think the combination of clubs, beaches, fairly good weather plus university students and tourists, all add up to a higher foot-fall. I really should have checked the routes from the clubs before moving here, but I suppose the beach was obvious enough! 😁 I did not realise how slovenly humanity was getting...it has been a bit eye-opening. The public bins and toilets are probably not as numerous or as well-kept any more either...it does all add up. I am more of a lover of 'peace and quiet' so it can be challenging!