Someone opening garden gate

[Solodreamer]

This is a bit odd but I'm looking for advice. Someone keeps opening my garden gate in the night. It definitely isn't the type of gate that can blow open so this is definitely someone doing it. I have my suspicions about who it is and think he is doing it so my dog escapes when I let her out in the morning.
What can I do about it? I live alone so I'd rather get this sorted.

Padlock

Ring camera.

I would get a camera. You can get cheap motion activated ones.

I’d be tempted to put anti vandal paint on the latch
I hope it stops.

Ring doorbell. Catch them at it.

Sorry I should have mentioned I can't do things like anti vandal paint as it's the gate the postie uses too (not the postie leaving it open in the middle of the night though). I'm going to look up cameras. Thank you.

Dog shit on the outside handle

I would also put one of those springs on it so it automatically closes

Could it be Mr.Fox

Lock the gate. Put a post box on the wall just before it for the postman

Why would anyone want your dog to escape?

@Leeds2

Why would anyone want your dog to escape?

They don't like dogs.

Thanks for all the ideas everyone.

Have you found out who it is for sure now?

A self closing hinge

Lock for the gate and an external post box attached to the fence/wall

Definitely camera..it should deter them and you will be able to carch whonitnis and use as evidence if needed

What time does your postie come? You could chain it overnight and open in first thing.
A spring that closes it is good unless the person wedges it open.

A camera pointed directly at the gate might be good as long as there's a big sign pointing to it.

Motion activated lights.

Or sprinklers.

ring camera/motion camera and then watch back

Motion alarm - can buy for windows from amazon, just stick to gate and post instead

My first thought was someone using it as a short cut.

I would get a camera and a security light.

Shut it before you let the dog out?

So I am presuming they have an actual issue with your dog being let out into your garden? Maybe address this. For example, does the dog make noise when the neighbours are sleeping?

Nonsense. Even if the dog was an issue which I highly doubt considering it's mum in only here seeking advice to keep him safe that's still no excuse for leaving a gate open knowing a dog could run onto the road. If the person leaving gate open doesn't like dogs they should pack a bag and move to a place dogs don't live 💯 it's three junkies who leave my gate open at my place I've replaced bolt in gate three time and have camera everywhere because of their anti social behaviour because they are entitled 50 year old brats who've never been disciplined they feel entitled to the entire building even though their house is free, I'm private renting and pay for every repair my landlord is too scared to come round because these idiots downstairs threaten everyone they come across because they think they own the place. They're given a property and maintenance for free and still kick in my gate ,Throw glass in my dogs pool, scream and shout constantly terrifying my dog. Whoever can't respect the property should leave and that's the evil subhumans who leave gates open for dogs to run into road as happened to my best friends dog who now has three legs.

Definitely this!