Improving Your Yard Security
Your yard is the first line of defence in preventing a burglar entering your property.
Many people neglect the opportunity to improve their home security be not paying
attention to a few simple improvements that can be done to their yard.
Most burglars are opportunists, ie burglars do not actually plan their break-ins.
They pick whatever seems to be the easiest and most simple target. If they see a
greater risk than they anticipated, they will move onto a much simpler target. Therefore
you don't want your home to fall under the category of "simpler target" so effort
is needed to keep your home safe from harm. There are several steps to be taken
that will improve your home security and greatly reduce the chances of a burglary.
A few simple changes to your landscaping can help to protect your home from would-be
burglars. Burglars do not want to spend very long in your home and equally don't
want to spend a lot of time getting in and out as this increases the chances of
getting caught. They like to go for properties that are surrounded by tall trees,
hedges and shrubs as it restricts visibility from the being seen from the street
and from your neighbors houses.
It is important that trees and shrubbery are trimmed so that your doors and windows
can be seen both from the street and by your neighbors. Prune trees that are close
to upper floors as this will prevent the intruder climbing up it to break in. Assess
all of your upper floors to make sure there is no possible way a burglar can get
in from above.
Any shrubs or bushes underneath windows should be timed lower than the level of
the window. For added protection, consider planting thorny shrubbery underneath
windows.
Make sure that your lawn is trimmed low. An uncut or poorly maintained lawn will
indicate to a potential intruder that you may not be at home and are away for some
time.
By laying gravel on your path ways and under windows you will be warned when someone
walks on it. This also plays the part of a psychological deterrent to keep the burglar
away. Do not have large stones or rocks in your garden as the burglar may use these
to his own advantage.
Burglars like a fast exit. If they get disturbed, they will want to get out, as
soon as possible. Erecting high fencing will stop the burglar carrying away your
lager possessions, provided the gates to your property are locked. It is important
that you keep your gates locked at all times.
Make sure that your tools and ladders etc… are stored in a secure shed or garage.
These will prove as extremely helpful equipment for the burglar so always make sure
these are locked away when not in use. It's worth chaining your ladder to the wall
of the garage for added security.