Colchester Borough Council and the Safer Colchester Partnership (SCP) have joined forces with Essex Police and Poplar Nurseries to launch a defensive planting initiative.
The drive aims to help residents and businesses choose the best shrubs and other living barriers to plant, in order to boost security and deter crime such as burglary.
The initiative includes the creation of a specimen garden established and maintained by volunteers of the New Town Community Garden.
The garden has been designed to show residents which varieties of plants can protect property effectively while also looking attractive, and features a new information panel which lists the names of individual plants on show within and on the perimeter of the garden.
Mike Lilley, portfolio holder for Safer Communities and Licensing, said: "I'm delighted the Safer Colchester Partnership is working with Essex Police and Poplar Nurseries to promote this important initiative.
"Whatever your security requirement, there's a plant, shrub or tree that can be used for screening and protecting your property."
Residents can find out which varieties work best to deter crime, by checking the list of plants on the SCP website at www.safercolchester.co.uk/defensive-planting.
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