In reality, barbed wire or broken glass running along the top of a wall is unlikely to keep a determined burglar out, but could seriously injure a child who is just trying to get his ball back.
Such measures could also result in legal action being taken against you under the Occupiers Liability Act. Such a fortress mentality can create an atmosphere of fear and make an area look run down and unpleasant.
Instead, we recommend a more subtle approach when it comes to defending and marking out the boundaries of your home. Research has shown that a simple white line is enough to keep unwelcome trespassers off your property, but instead of paint (which might not go down too well with the neighbours), try a low fence or a change of texture and colour in the ground at the edge of your land using different kinds of paving or plants.
Plants are actually a very good way of defending property, particularly prickly plants like Pyracantha, Rosa rugosa, or any kind of Berberis, as these can form an effective barrier and are also attractive to look at. Likewise, walls and fences can be topped with trellis and covered in climbing plants. Trellis will break and make a noise if anyone tries to get over it, and climbing plants can get in the way if people try to get over - and you won't be running the risk of getting sued, as you might with barbed wire.
High walls, typically seen on more traditional terraced housing, do form an effective barrier against intruders, but can also attract vandals. Use anti-vandal paint on your walls if graffiti becomes a problem, and also make sure that all your gates have good quality locks and bolts on them.
Whilst most people prefer higher boundaries at the rear of their house for more privacy, low fences or shrubs are better at the front because they allow people to see who is visiting your property, and what they are up to. Marking out and defending the boundaries of your home is an effective way of discouraging unwelcome visitors and works best if you don't make your house look like a fortress.
