Yes, many outdoor benches are designed to be secured, and bolting through the legs is a common and effective method. Typically, benches have pre-drilled holes or mounting plates in the legs or frame for this exact purpose. You would use anchor bolts (like concrete sleeve anchors or wedge anchors) to fix the bench to a concrete pad or similar solid surface. This directly prevents lifting and deters theft.
However, there are several other anchoring systems depending on the bench design and installation surface. Some benches feature an internal anchoring system where a ground socket is cemented into the ground, and the bench legs slide into and lock onto these sockets. This provides a clean look with no visible bolts. For softer surfaces like wood decks, heavy-duty lag screws or through-bolts with washers are used. For temporary or lighter security on pavers, options like security cables or low-profile surface-mounted brackets exist.
The best method depends on your bench's design, the base material (concrete, wood, asphalt), and your security needs. Always consult the manufacturer's installation guidelines for the recommended hardware and procedure to ensure a safe, secure, and warranty-compliant installation. Proper anchoring protects your investment and keeps public spaces safe for everyone.