If your property has a long driveway, it’s no longer enough to equip your home with just a video doorbell. With more territory to cover, it usually pays to take a ‘layered’ approach to driveway security.
That can include everything from landscaping to raised planters, and the centuries-old security trick of really thorny plants, ideally boosted with a little twenty-first century technology.
A combination of landscaping, barriers, and other deterrents incorporated in your driveway ideas can ensure that would-be intruders give up before they even set foot on your property.
1. Combine visibility and barriers
Combining several factors is the key to the most effective driveway deterrents, says Anthony Neary from Safe. By pairing garden security lights with other landscape factors, properties can instantly be made less attractive to intruders.
“Motion-activated lighting is a simple but powerful too,l and instantly draws attention to movement, making intruders feel exposed. Prickly hedges or spiky plants along fences can also act as natural barriers,” says Anthony.
For a product that suits this purpose, try these Lepro Waterproof Security Lights from Amazon.
Anthony Neary has long-standing expertise in everything from safe rooms to security cameras
2. Don’t forget the noise factor
Gravel might seem like it would not put off determined intruders, but it really makes a difference, particularly when paired with the best home security systems, Anthony Neary explains. By layering lighting, gravel and technology, you send a powerful, and audible signal.
“The most effective driveway deterrents combine visibility, noise, and barriers, and gravel driveway ideas create noise underfoot, making it harder for someone to approach unnoticed," he says.
"We would always advise layering deterrents works best. Create a well-lit, noisy, and visibly secure driveway for a less appealing target than a dark, quiet one.”
Shop for driveway gravel
This Tarmac 20mm Gravel bulk bag provides excellent drainage and is ideal for pathways, driveways and garden borders.
A unique blue and grey gravel made from marble tiles for a modern driveway finish
Dark pebbles to add a striking finish to your external landscaping and driveway
3. Consider a wired security system
For driveway security purposes, wired home security systems have several key advantages over wireless home security systems, says Anthony Neary.
Using physical cabling to connect sensors, cameras, and control panels in wireless systems such as those offered by Verisure means that outside cameras and sensors are not vulnerable to becoming disconnected, or running out of batteries.
Wired cameras provide uninterrupted video feeds, and don’t require subscriptions, and the sometimes limited range of wireless networks such as Wi-Fi means that for driveway security, wired is often a better choice.
Wired systems to boost your driveway security
A 1080p HD outdoor Security Camera with Two-Way Talk, motion-activated LED floodlights and security siren
A full plug and play set up for a medium sized house or flat
A system with 4 cameras featuring built-in mics, dual-light function and a high performance recording system
4. Use thorns to deter intruders
"Landscaping can also offer strategic barriers which can help to keep intruders out, while creating attractive features for your garden," says Ted Bromley-Hall, manager of landscaping solutions company IBRAN.
Raised planters in particular can create raised beds around vulnerable areas. Filling these with plants such as roses, or even better berberis, can help to put off intruders. The thorny stems of berberis creates a natural barrier which can deter not only intruders and vandals, but also animals, helping you to keep creatures such as foxes out of your garden.
Berberis varieties for your driveway security
An upright deciduous plant with spined branches and stems, and colourful bright red and orange foliage throughout the year
Berberis Golden Ring is a deciduous shrub that has rounded purple foliage and yellow flowers in spring
A bushy deciduous shrub with rounded, purple leaves variegated with pink and white marbling
Ted Bromley-Hall knows how clever landscaping can help keep homeowners safe
5. Don’t let intruders hide
Don’t offer intruders places ready-made places to hide when thinking about your driveway security ideas. Not only does it pay to think about the best driveway lighting ideas, cautious homeowners should also think about where intruders might hide, advises Ted Bromley-Hall.
"Avoid creating hiding spots with overgrown shrubs near the driveway entrance, and ensure you have good sightlines from the house to the street so that intruders can’t conceal themselves," says Ted.
6. The most important piece of tech
If you’re going to buy one item to keep an eye on your driveway, video doorbells such as the Eufy security doorbell from Amazon are the thing to opt for. Not only do video doorbells offer an effective way to keep an eye on your property from afar, they can also put off intruders who know they will be recorded.
"The best way to keep an eye on your drive is by installing a video doorbell," says Hayley Brown, smart home and tech expert at AO.com. "It’ll give you real-time alerts when someone approaches, which means even if you’re not in, you can answer a knock at the door through your mobile phone.
"Plus, you’ll be able to record clips which can be invaluable should anything untoward happen," she adds.
Hayley Brown is an expert on everything from installing home security cameras to understanding how to make sure they perform at their best
7. Put lights in the right place
If you’re going to install motion-sensitive lighting such as the Strom LED light from John Lewis, it’s crucial to ensure they are in the right place say the experts.
"Good lighting is one of the simplest but most effective ways of keeping your drive safe," confirms Hayley Brown. "Positioning motion-activated lights at the entrance of your drive will mean you can rest assured that no one can skulk around in the dark."
Motion activated lighting for your driveway
A 400W garden halogen floodlight with motion PIR sensor for use outdoors
A powerful, colourful light with integrated 1080p camera and night vision that connects to the Philips Hue app
This 2K HD camera features three tunable light panels, is weather-proof, and connects directly to your home Wi-Fi signal
Home security is a must have whether you're renovating a house or embarking on a self build. Making sure you've accounted for driveway security as part of your home security costs will help you protect you, your loved ones and your home.
Planning ahead and budgeting well will also make sure you can avoid these common home security mistakes.
