So, we’re moving to a larger house with a detached mancave. It’s fairly private at the back so I’m concerned about scrotes breaking in.

Currently there’s no alarm installed so I’m thinking about having one, to protect house and garage. Is it money I’d be better investing in upgrading the physical security?

If I do go down the alarm route, monitored or not?

Finally, what’s the view on the DIY Yale wireless alarm kits I seem to see lots of places selling?

Ta, G

I’ve had the Yale box for a number of years, no problems so far, put a dummy box up as well, it’s not much extra on the spend.

That’ll keep any undesirables out…

Is it possible to plant hedging along any of the borders? Stick in some native hedging (blackthorn, buckthorn, hawthorn plus some non-thorny stuff) whips in this autumn and you’ll be intruder proof in two years (so one for the long term, but still!).

Pros: looks great, good for wildlife, cheap

Cons: the thornier the hedge the more of a pain cutting it is, have to wait a few years for full effectiveness

Ok, so we’re not going to get a dog and I can’t wait for some jaggy shrubs to grow.

Any thoughts on alarms?

We had an ADT wireless fitted, no problems, fuss fee, monitored too