8 Easy Ways to Burglar-Proof Your Garden and Backyard

When it comes to home security, your backyard and garden are two of the first areas you need to burglar-proof. Securing them can help decrease the chances of burglars and intruders getting inside your property.

Burglar-proofing these areas, however, isn’t as easy as it sounds. Since their appearances can greatly affect the selling value of your property, you need to be strategic.

If you’re wondering how you can get started, here are 8 easy tips you can apply.

1. Secure your outside properties

A lot of burglars prefer to use a homeowner’s tools when breaking in so you need to make sure that there are no ladders, crowbars or hammers lying around in your backyard. Keep them locked inside your garage or you can invest in a secure shed. If you are planning on keeping them in a shed, make sure that it has a pick-proof lock.

If you have chairs and tables on your patio, secure them with a chain or padlock. You should also do the same for any ladders you have. This is to make sure burglars won’t be able to use them to get inside your home.

2. Build strong fences

Fences aren’t only great in ensuring your privacy; they also work well in keeping burglars and intruders out of your property. It’s an essential investment, too, if you have kids and pets at home.

Fences, however, aren’t the same.

Tall fences, for example, are great in blocking other people from seeing what goes on inside your property. Their downside, however, is that they make a good hiding spot for burglars.

For your security, you should consider vinyl fencing or wrought iron fence. It looks aesthetically pleasing while maintaining your home’s visibility. The material is quite durable, too, but it may need to be  repainted after every few years for maintenance. You can hire a fencing company to install this for you.

3. Set up motion activated lights

Motion-activated lights make a great burglar deterrent. They get triggered at the slightest sign of movement, alerting neighbors and scaring intruders away.

In setting them up, make sure that they are pointing away from your home. This way, you’ll be able to see what’s going on inside your home rather than having to look at glaring lights.

Place these lights in all of your entry ways as well as on the areas of your home you feel have the weakest security. This includes your backdoor, the sides of your home and your backyard.

4. Get plants with thorns

Another great strategy in keeping burglars away from your garden and backyard is to have thorny plants. Holly bushes make a great choice since they are quite attractive, too.

Have these plants directly under your windows to get extra protection. You can also have these plants near your fences so that burglars won’t feel encouraged to hide there.

5.  Install an alarm system

An alarm system, particularly if it’s monitored, won’t only work to deter burglars; it can also help you actually stop a burglary while it’s happening. This, however, will depend on your system and how fast its monitoring station can alert you and the local authorities. A slow response time can put your property and entire family in danger.

This makes it essential that you actually read contracts before signing them. It also helps to read reviews first so you can have a clearer idea of how well a company performs in keeping its customers safe.

6. Set up security yard signs and stickers

Getting a complete home security system is one of the best ways to protect your entire property. But, if you’re on a tight budget, you can purchase security yard signs and stickers instead.

Place them on areas where they can easily be seen, like your fence, front door and first-floor windows. Make them as visible as possible.

Keep in mind, however, that although security yard signs and stickers can work well in deterring burglars, you still shouldn’t depend on them solely for your property’s safety. They can also discourage burglars but they won’t be able to stop them in case they decide to push through with their plan.

7. Get security cameras

Security cameras, particularly weatherproof home security cameras, make a great investment for any homeowners. They don’t only work as a deterrent but they can actually let you see what goes on in your home. They can give you enough time to call for help or report to local authorities.

8. Make it look like your home

The way your yard looks can give clear clues as to whether you’re home or not.

If you are planning on going out for a short vacation, make sure that there will be someone who can look after your yard. You can have a trusted neighbor pick up your mail or newspaper. Trim your lawn before you leave or have someone do that for you while you’re gone.


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