Extra Steps To Protect Your Backyard From Burglars
The safety of you and your family isn’t a laughing matter, and you never know when a burglary could turn into something much worse. Unfortunately, if you have large shrubs or trees in your backyard, then it is one of the easiest access points to your home and your belongings.
In a 2019 survey of 86 convicted burglars, almost all of them agreed that overgrown shrubs or trees were a major factor in their decision to target a home. Given that most burglaries occur between 12 pm and 4 pm according to a study done by the University of North Carolina, the presence of available cover close to the home allows potential thieves the ability to work without being detected. Fortunately, research shows that there are a number of ways you can make your yard a harder place to access, making you a less attractive target to burglars in general.
BURGLAR-PROOFING YOUR BACKYARD
1. GET A BIG DOG
The aforementioned survey revealed that the most consistent and effective deterrent to a burglar is a loud, large dog. The reasoning is two-fold. First, if your dog isn’t normally a barker, the sound could alert someone to the thief’s presence. Second, dogs are a danger that the vast majority of burglars are not willing to risk. One inmate made their point plain, writing “dogs are a deal breaker” under the question.
However, most inmates surveyed were not overly concerned about small to medium-sized dogs whose barks clearly indicate their diminutive size. For the best effect aim for breed mixes that are over seventy pounds and have a breed history of defensive behaviors. For example, a German Shepard is a great candidate due to their known devotion to their families and protective nature. Check out your local shelter here.
Just remember to use positive reinforcement training to establish property boundaries and proper barking behaviors. When you’re picking out your new best friend, remember that older dogs are just as capable of being great guard dogs. Having a good guard dog is contingent on having a positive relationship with them.
2. TRIM BACK YOUR SHRUBS AND TREES
A burglar’s top goal is to make it on and off your property without being seen. Overgrown landscaping makes it all too easy for them. To discourage a thief from targeting your property, trim back or remove any large plants or fences that keep your home out of sight. If your neighbors can’t see your home from the street, then you’re far more likely to be targeted.
3. COMMON SENSE SECURITY PRACTICES
To secure items of worth in your yard, make sure that sheds are locked and secure your grill to a post or simply cover it with a tarp. A potential burglar will want to be fairly sure that a break-in is worth the risk, so covering items of value in your yard will make them less likely to target you.
4. PLACE GRAVEL UNDER WINDOWS AND NEAR DOORS
Reach out to Pioneer Landscape Centers and place gravel or decorative rock near potential access points (windows/doors). The transition from grass to gravel makes a distinctive noise, forcing the burglar to pause and alerting the family dog to the presence of a potential threat. It’s a simple landscaping solution that acts like a built-in alarm system. For added protection, increase the ratio of gravel to grass in your backyard, especially near items of value.
5. THINK VERTICALLY
Although trellises and large trees with overhanging branches look lovely in your backyard, they also give burglars access to any upper stories of your home. Plant-It DIY suggests that you keep all branches and trellises at least ten feet away from any windows to prevent an upper-floor entry.
In general, if you want to make your home an unattractive target, you have to focus on what burglars want most, quiet anonymity. If you make it obvious that your property will make that a challenging achievement, then you are far less likely to be chosen as a target. Make them visible. Make them loud, and burglars will avoid you. For more home landscaping help, call us at (866) 525-4079.