Yard Security
When a burglar is choosing which house to break into one of their main considerations
is how quickly then can get into, and out of, the house without being caught. Thinking
about how to improve your yard security will significantly reduce the chances of
being burgled.
Burglars don't often carry much equipment in order to carry out a burglary. They
only carry what is really essential as they want to be as swift as possible with
their intrusion. Also, after they have burgled a property they don't want to be
caught red-handed with equipment that would be suitable for committing a burglary.
So when a burglar is making an attempt at a break-in, they will look for items suitable
to help them.
Take a look around your yard and remove, or lock away from view items that could
in some way aid a break-in. Consider gardening equipment such as picks, forks and
shovels. Your garden furniture could prove helpful for someone wishing to gain access
to your upper floors as they can stand on the table. Obviously, don't leave ladders
lying around either. Make sure all of these items are locked up when not in use
in a secure shed or outbuilding together with your hand tools such as screwdrivers,
pliers and iron bars.
We like to grow trees, plants and shrubs in our gardens and yards. They provide
a degree of privacy and look appealing as well as brighten up our yards. Some of
these shrubs can in fact improve security, e.g. a thorny shrub under a window but
if left to over-grow can cause a considerable risk to your security.
Burglars do not like to be seen breaking into a property so if they find a yard
with overgrown trees and shrubs they will likely break in to that property as the
shrubs provide ideal camouflage. Don't make it easy for the burglar and trim any
overgrown foliage that could provide concealment. Trim any trees that are close
to your property as these could potentially provide a ladder to your upper floors.