Security Outside Your Home

A few simple alterations to the exterior of your home can be enough to deter intruders from attempting entry.  Trim bushes, shrubs and trees so all of your doors and windows are visible to your neighbors or to the street.  Your home’s landscaping should not provide concealment for criminals.  Unobstructed doors and windows are a deterrent because intruders are forced to work where they can be seen.

Maintain adequate lighting, especially at entry points to the home.  Motion activated lights may not only startle would be intruders, but can alert you or your neighbors to movement around your home.  Conduct monthly checks to ensure all of the exterior lights around your home are working properly.  Display house numbers that easily seen and read from the street.  Consider aiming an exterior light at the numbers themselves.  Emergency responders can save critical time when the street address for your home is visible from a distance.  Adding a second set of house numbers near the street or on a mailbox also helps emergency responders locate your residence.

Limit direct access to your yard or storage shed.  Intruders look for none, or few obstacles blocking quick exits.  Fences prevent burglars from carrying away large items if the gates are locked.  If you have or install a fence, consider locking the gates when they are not in use.  Ladders and tools should be stored in a garage or shed and the enclosure should remain locked.  Place all other items of value including lawnmowers, bicycles and power tools inside the enclosure as well.  Landscaping should also be designed to control access to your property.  Proper barriers make the intruder feel uncomfortable as he or she approaches your home.

Always lock your garage doors.  This is especially important if you have an attached garage.  Burglars can enter your home through the door leading from an attached garage to the house.