When it comes to considering the safety of your home, it's important not to neglect the security of your backyard. It's not uncommon for thieves to jump a backyard fence in order to gain access to a back door. Burglars sometimes target back doors because they typically have lower security than front doors. Check out some of these tips on how you can keep burglars away from your home by keeping your backyard more secure. InterNACHI reports that 22% of burglars enter through the back door.
Keep Items In Your Backyard Secure
Often times burglars will jump a backyard fence so they can steal items that have been left out. Criminals will steal items from a backyard area like barbecues, patio furniture, bikes, pool supplies, tools, and more. Make sure that every effort is being taken to secure your home. Keep it protected by securing your backyard from unauthorized entry.
Make criminals uninterested in your items by making sure that all your larger belongings are tied down with metal cable.
If You Have A Gate To Your Backyard — Keep It Locked
Keeping your side or back gate locked is another step towards increased backyard security. When you keep the entrances to your backyard locked you are adding additional steps for a burglar to go through. The more steps a burglar has to take to gain entry to your home, the more secure your home is. If a burglar thinks your home will take too long to get into then they will most likely try to find an easier target altogether.
Always try to keep your backyard gate locked when you aren't using it as to not become an easier target.
Make Sure Your Fence Is Tall And Strong
The ideal backyard fence is one that is difficult to climb or break through. You'll want a fence that is strong, tall, and as sturdy as possible. It might be a good idea to invest in a metal fence that has sharp points on the top as these are great for deterring burglars.
Make sure your fence is high so criminals can't jump into your backyard. Metal and stone fences are typically better than wood because they tend to last longer and provide a sturdier level of protection.
Keep Your Backyard Lit Up At Night
Another good way to keep burglars away from your backyard is to install some motion sensing security lights. These are the types of lights that only turn on when motion is detected. These are great for using in your backyard to protect your gate, patio, pathways, deck, or driveway.
Outdoor motion sensor lights are usually weatherproof and perfect for scaring away criminals trying to lurk in the dark. Flood lights are also good for keeping criminals uninterested.
Consider Getting A Dog
The bigger the dog, the better the deterrent. Statistics show that large dogs are good for deterring burglars and the bigger the dog, the less likely a thief is to attempt a break-in. Even if you don't have a dog, you can still put up a "Beware of Dog" sign to scare off potential intruders.
Install Security Cameras Around Your Backyard
Security cameras are a good deterrent for burglars if they are installed around the perimeter of your backyard. Consider getting video cameras that have night vision, motion detection, and are weatherproofed enough for outdoor use. Make sure that your cameras are visible enough for any potential burglars to see and high enough that they can't be reached without a ladder.
Don't Leave Ladders Lying Around Your Backyard
Most burglars don't bring their own ladders. So don't make it easier for them by leaving one laying around in your backyard. Whenever you leave a ladder out, you are opening the second story of your home to intruders.
Remember to always keep your ladders locked in your shed or garage. If you have to leave them in the backyard, make sure they are chained and padlocked so they can't be used against you.
Keep boxes and other objects that criminals could use locked away so they can't be stacked and climbed.
Place A Security Sign In Your Backyard
Alarm systems are great for preventing theft because burglars typically want to avoid alarms going off when they break into a home. Even if you don't have an alarm system, consider placing some security signs around your backyard just to make burglars think you do. Place security signs near any entrances or gates that lead into your backyard.
Make Sure Your Backdoor Has High Quality Locks
Another thing that criminals look for in an easy target is a poor quality lock that is easy to force or pick open. Consider investing in a high quality lock that not only adds an increased layer of protection to your home, but will also help to deter criminals looking for weak locks they can exploit. Burglars and home invaders know that back door locks can sometimes be less secure than front door locks.
Use A Wireless Alarm In Your Yard Or Backyard
A good form of advanced warning is to install a wireless alarm in your backyard. These devices detect motion in order to keep your perimeter covered. If a burglar trips a sensor, then the alarm receiver inside the home goes off. Backyard alarms are good early warning devices and can be used for anything from detecting humans, vehicles, and large animals.
Don't Neglect Your Backyard Security
Your backyard can be just as important as your front when it comes to your homes security. A study by airef shows that most offenders entered residences using some type of force and the two most most common methods of entry are by breaking a window or forcing a back door open.
Always keep the security of your backyard in mind when thinking of your homes security. Be smart and be safe.
About Locksmith Services Longmont:
Locksmith Services Longmont is a local locksmith provider for the Northern Colorado region. Local residents and businesses in North Colorado can always rely on us for fast, honest, and affordable locksmith solutions. Call us anytime at (303) 900-0549 for 24/7 mobile locksmith services in Longmont, Colorado and the surrounding communities.