Three things actually stop opportunistic theft, in order of value for money. **Height** — going from 1.8m to 2.4m costs relatively little on a short run and removes the casual hop-over entirely. **A gate that is stronger than the fence** — most entries go through the gate or its hardware rather than over the mesh, so heavy hinges, a proper drop bolt and a shielded lock box are cheap compared with what is behind them. **No climbing aids** — pallets, bins and stacked stock left against the line hand somebody a ladder, which is why keeping them clear is part of handover rather than something to notice later. A barbed or razor topper is a fourth option where the site genuinely warrants it, and a decision to make deliberately rather than by default.
Fencing a site you do not own is a different conversation. Plenty of operators here lease their premises. Get the landlord's written approval before work starts — most agree readily, because a secured yard improves the asset. Where the lease is short or uncertain, the fence can be built to come with you: bolted base plates instead of concreted posts, so panels and mesh can be lifted and re-erected at the next site. It costs a little more upfront and saves the whole spend if you move. That has to be decided at quote stage, though, because it changes how the fence is built rather than how it is finished.
Price on a small yard is driven by four things. Total metres, fence height, the number and type of gates, and what is under the ground. Rock or existing concrete means core drilling, which is identified at the site visit and priced properly rather than appearing later as a variation. A quote that names the mesh gauge, post size, spacing and finish can be compared with another one line for line. A quote that gives you a single number per metre cannot.
