Plant these and you'll be a real thorn in thieves' sides

But Lothian and Borders Police are now looking closer to home with their latest weapon – mother nature.

Officers are encouraging residents in Edinburgh and the Lothians to protect their homes by planting "jaggy bushes" around their property to deter would-be thieves.

The prickly plants could also help to track down the culprit if they leave vital DNA evidence such as a blood sample or scrap of clothing behind, after being cut by a spiky hedge or razor sharp leaf.

A list of plants suitable to be used as crime-busting tools has been prepared by the police in a bid to reduce offences like housebreaking and vandalism.

The advice is part of the force's wider Secure by Design project, which works with architects and developers to eradicate features leaving new buildings vulnerable to crime.

Officers are also working with landscape gardeners to help them choose plants which can add to a property's security. Sergeant Robert Shiel, the force's architectural liaison officer with the safer communities department, said: "Using jaggy bushes is a way to add extra protection to a home without having to put in expensive burglar systems and so on. Residents can keep thieves from gaining easy access to fences or windows by planting one of these bushes in front of them.

"By providing these lists of plants and working with landscape gardeners, it's a simple but effective tool which provides an added barrier. We offer advice on plants which will provide that protection but will also grow to the right height and not out of control.

"With the advances in DNA technology, there's always the possibility that a thief will get a scratch and allows us to do a blood lift from a window or wall.

"That can not only help us catch those responsible, but also deters thieves in the first place. If they see a jaggy bush they are more likely to be put off. It's not a 100 per cent deterrent, but it adds that bit extra to security."

Police use information gleaned from the Royal Horticultural Society to advise residents on plants which they can use to guard their home.

Dougie White, assistant manager at Dobbies Garden World in Lasswade, said: "Rosa Rugosa, pyracantha and berberis are all very thorny and good for hedges, and holly is also effective. I've got a rose bush in my back garden and anyone trying to get through that would be cut to shreds. These plants look beautiful but also add that protection."

PROCTECTING YOUR HOME IS ELEMEN-TREE

Police have listed a range of plants which can be grown to guard against thieves:

Acanthus: grows sharp spines on the flower heads, a spectacular plant. Locate near any vulnerable access point, but be careful it is not where children could get scratched.

Berberis: good for hedging and growing by walls. It has very sharp spine-like prickles, which are barely visible.

Rosa rugosa: makes a fast growing impenetrable hedge, growing 3ft-4ft high in 12 months.

Pampas grass: an excellent plant to put in a vulnerable corner, it has razor-sharp leaves.

Pyracantha: excellent for hedging, growing under windows or around doorways, with a beautiful display of red or orange during winter.

Holly: many attractive varieties. Also can be planted in any area needing protection.

Japonica: can be trained up walls or pruned into a bush.

Hawthorn: makes a good hedge or pruned bush.

Rambling rose: makes good cover for drainpipes or along the tops of walls.

Mahonia aquafolium: good used among other prickly shrubs or under windows.