CPTEDFences and

Landscaping

Part of the FIRST line of defense

Presented by

Sgt. Steve Garst, L.C.C.

Certified Crime Prevention Specialist

Community Services Division

Little Elm Police Department, Texas

Fences – GenerallyFences – Generally

Design refined for…

Fences are designed to keep things in or out

In – Your dog, kids, etc.

Out – the rest of the world

SecurityBeautify

Establish ownershipSgt. Steve Garst L.C.C./C.C.P.S Little Elm Police

Dept.

Types of FencesTypes of Fences

Iron Privacy

Wire

mesh

Rock or Stone

Rail fenceOrnamental

Iron

Welded

wire

Barb wireAluminu

m

Vinyl

Galvanize

d Chain Link

Bamboo Expanded metal

Sgt. Steve Garst L.C.C./C.C.P.S Little Elm Police Dept.

Chain LinkChain Link

Sgt. Steve Garst L.C.C./C.C.P.S Little Elm Police Dept.

WoodWood

Privacy Picket

Sgt. Steve Garst L.C.C./C.C.P.S Little Elm Police Dept.

VinylVinyl

Privacy PicketSemi-Private

MetaMetall

Welded wire

Aluminum

MetaMetall

Wrought Iron

Sgt. Steve Garst L.C.C./C.C.P.S Little Elm Police Dept.

SecuritySecurity Fence Guidelines Fence Guidelines

Minimum eight (8) feet tallPosts no more than eight (8) feet apartDesign as straight as possible to discourage climbingPlace terminal posts at the ends and corners and to support gates

Brace ends and gate posts if fabric is over six (6) feet high, or less than six (6) feet if not top rail

Sgt. Steve Garst L.C.C./C.C.P.S Little Elm Police Dept.Sgt. Steve Garst L.C.C./C.C.P.S Little Elm Police Dept.

8 ft min.

6 ft or less – no top rail

6 ft or more – top rail

24 in. for 4 ft. fence, PLUS 3 in. per added foot = 3 ft.

Never exceed 8 ft between posts

SECURITY FENCE

Security Fence Guidelines – Security Fence Guidelines – cont.cont.

Brace diagonally to the nearest line postDig post holes a minimum twenty-four (24) inches deep for a four (4) foot fence

Add an additional three (3) inches in depth for each added foot in fence height

Fill post holes with concreteA center rail is required if fabric is over twelve (12) feet in height

Sgt. Steve Garst L.C.C./C.C.P.S Little Elm Police Dept.Sgt. Steve Garst L.C.C./C.C.P.S Little Elm Police Dept.

8 ft MIN

24 in. for 4 ft. fence PLUS 3 in. per added foot = 3 ft.

6 ft or more – install top rail

6 ft or more – brace at ends and at gates

Security Fence Guidelines – Security Fence Guidelines – cont.cont.

Use #9 gauge fabric or heavier, with openings of no more than two (2) inches

Install fabric within two (2) inches of solid ground. Install below ground level in sandy soilFabric should be twisted and barbed at the topAttach fabric to top rail with #9 gauge wire or clips with peened bolts

Extend mesh above top railInstall a top guard of barb wire, usually at a forty-five (45) degree angle

Sgt. Steve Garst L.C.C./C.C.P.S Little Elm Police Dept.

12 ft or

more

Top rail

Install center bar if fence fabric is 12 feet high or more.

Think tennis courts

24 in. for 4 ft. fence PLUS 3 in. per added foot = 4 ft.

Min. # 9 gauge wire with opening 2 in. or less

Always fill all holes with concrete

Don’t forget the 3 strands of barbed wire at 45 degree

angle

Security Fence Guidelines – cont.Security Fence Guidelines – cont.

Locate all fences to afford maximum visibilityIdeally, locate fence fifty (50) to one hundred fifty (150) from building or object of protectionAt a minimum, maintain at lease twenty (20) feet of cleared space on either side of the fence If twenty (20) feet space is not possible, raise the height of the fence, or otherwise compensate

Sgt. Steve Garst L.C.C./C.C.P.S Little Elm Police Dept.Sgt. Steve Garst L.C.C./C.C.P.S Little Elm Police Dept.

Security Fence Guidelines – cont.Security Fence Guidelines – cont.

Privacy fences are NOT a good idea for security fencing

Gives the bad guys a place for privacy alsoGates should have quality latches that are

locked from the inside

Sgt. Steve Garst L.C.C./C.C.P.S Little Elm Police Dept.

Proper maintenance is imperative. Nothing screams “come on in” worse than a fence that is falling down or in severe disrepair.

Sgt. Steve Garst L.C.C./C.C.P.S Little Elm Police Dept.

Security Fence Guidelines – Security Fence Guidelines – concludedconcluded

Be certain that braces and cross members on fences are on the same side being

protectedOtherwise they just become a ladder for the criminal

Sgt. Steve Garst L.C.C./C.C.P.S Little Elm Police Dept.Sgt. Steve Garst L.C.C./C.C.P.S Little Elm Police Dept.

Visibility Issues

Must NOT obstruct visibility

A solid barrier has two negative effects…

• Provides a shield for unauthorized activity• Prohibits visual inspection of the property

Sgt. Steve Garst L.C.C./C.C.P.S Little Elm Police Dept.Sgt. Steve Garst L.C.C./C.C.P.S Little Elm Police Dept.

Landscaping and Shrubbery

Insure optimum visibility of all possible entrances and exits

Locate shrubs eighteen (18) to twenty-four (24) inches away from all entrances and exitsCut shrubs at least six (6) inches below window levelTrim tall shrubs and trees from the ground up to six (6) to eight (8) feet to assure visibility

Sgt. Steve Garst L.C.C./C.C.P.S Little Elm Police Dept.Sgt. Steve Garst L.C.C./C.C.P.S Little Elm Police Dept.

Landscaping and Shrubbery – cont.

Separate hedges to prevent hiding

Recommend preventive measures that serve to increase the chances of detection

Generally, thick and thorny type bushes or hedges are most recommended…but

…remember that they may be used to hide an intruder

Sgt. Steve Garst L.C.C./C.C.P.S Little Elm Police Dept.Sgt. Steve Garst L.C.C./C.C.P.S Little Elm Police Dept.

Sgt. Steve Garst, L.C.C. – Certified Crime Prevention Specialist Little Elm Police Department

ANY QUESTIONS

Sgt. Steve Garst L.C.C./C.C.P.S Little Elm Police Dept.