Overgrown hedges and shrubs can provide perfect hiding spots. If they block views of doors, windows or paths from the street or neighbours, someone can stand there without being noticed. Trimming them to a reasonable height and shape removes a lot of that cover.

When entrances and ground-floor windows are visible from outside, it becomes riskier for an intruder to approach. They know they could be seen by neighbours or passers-by. At the same time, trimming plants back prevents branches from pressing against windows or roofs, which can cause damage or noise that’s easy to ignore.

You don’t need to remove all greenery. Just keep it shaped so that sightlines to key areas are open. You get the beauty of plants without the security blind spots.

It also makes your home look better maintained, which in itself is a quiet deterrent to people looking for easy, neglected targets.