Everything you need to know about access and security around the home

Automatic gates — an open and shut case? Not so very long ago the cool, silent swing of an electric (automated), gate was considered the province of Norma Desmond — a perk for Batman, even, on his return to the bat-cave?
I was convinced that the inclusion of such fabulous luxury and convenience, must come with a fabulous, luxuriant price. Further to that supposition, was the notion that having a gate simply signalled that the owners had something worth clambering over the gate for. Was it ostentatious? Drawing attention? Was there really any security advantage for a determined intruder?