It’s a rare day when there’s not something in the news about a home invasion or spate of burglaries.
The use of home security methods has increased in recent years. However, it’s not widely known that there are subtle clues in your yard that can signal to burglars that your home might be a tempting target for robbery.
So what are some of the things burglars are looking for in your yard?
Sign of the times
A tired or out-of-date security sign is a good-to-go sign for burglars. It shows that while you may have once had a security system, it’s either out of date or not working anymore.
If that’s true, then time to update. If not, try and source new signage from your supplier.
Put it away
If you leave a bunch of expensive stuff lying about in your yard, it’s a sign to burglars you might have expensive stuff inside as well.
This is a tricky one, because you want your backyard to look good. Nice furniture, pots and landscaping can enhance your living. Wonky furniture, plastic fittings and weeds galore are an eyesore and stress-inducing. Or is that just me?
Maybe a compromise can be made. Maybe invest in good quality furniture that doesn’t look too expensive.
There’s always this Australian outdoor classic to put the burglars off. No one thinks you are dripping in money if this bad boy is about your yard.
Pet doors
Burglars love pet doors. Slim-fit ones can fit through the larger doors, and not even that slim fit. When we bought our house it had a pet door large enough for the previous owner’s German shepherd. We squeezed through it a couple of times due to forgotten keys before we removed it.
Smaller pet doors can be used to access your house or to scope out what you have inside.
It doesn’t help that many pet doors are often installed on doors at the rear of the residence, where burglars feel more comfortable out of public scrutiny.
To keep your home more secure, there are a few options.
The most simple is to invest in a secure, lockable door and lock it every time you leave the house.
You can also install motion detection lights, and weight sensors that will shut the door if anything too heavy is detected and many modern pet doors come with electronic locks that require an RFID chip to unlock, which can be conveniently installed on the dog or cat’s collar.
Tall order
Secure anything that can be used to climb into your house. Don’t leave ladders in the open and secure bins away from where they can be conveniently dragged to gain access to windows.
Light it up
Thieves love dark corners where they can hide. It’s probably not possible, or even desirable – who wants a house lit up like a Christmas tree – to completely light up your house’s exterior, but select placement of motion sensor lights should cover it.
Holiday home
This is a simple one. If your home doesn’t look lived in because you are away, it’s like catnip for burglars.
If you are going away, make sure your mail is picked up, lock and secure all doors and even invest in a timed light system to give the appearance you are home.
Multiple access points
Thieves love a back lane gate. They often aren’t as secure as a front door and the laneway also provides cover to sneak away.
If you do have more than one access point to your property make sure it’s just as secure as the main access to your property through doorbell cameras, motion sensor lights and good locks.
Do you secure your yard? What steps do you take? Why not share your tips in the comments section below?
Also read: Beware of thieves on planes
