Met Police advises London homeowners to plant shrubs

The Metropolitan Police in London is distributing leaflets advising homeowners to plant spiky shrubs as a way to deter burglars. This initiative has drawn criticism from Conservative politicians, who argue it is merely gardening advice. The leaflet suggests planting various thorny plants, like berberis and hawthorn, to create "natural defenses" against break-ins. Critics claim the police should focus on crime-solving rather than gardening tips, especially given the low burglary clearance rates. Despite the criticism, the Met Police states that this advice complements their efforts to reduce residential burglaries, which have decreased by 10% over the past year. The police aim to help prevent crime while addressing burglaries and organized crime.