17 Backyard Security Tips That Will Make Your Home Safer

One thing that is common in American houses is the propensity to have wood backyard fences and to feel overly secure that this is enough, leaving doors unlocked and the backyard open. Recent studies have shown that up to 80% of burglaries happen using the backyard as the first access point. The big use of fencing is usually for privacy against neighbors and to prevent burglaries. Without securing your backyard, you’re inviting a whole subset of issues from wild animals to robberies so today we’re going to bring you some information and ideas to help you secure your yard and feel safer at home.

Here are our top backyard security tips:

1. Tall Backyard Fences

Tall fences are adequate to fend off wild animals since they cannot climb them and according to a report, intruders get discouraged from robbing a house with tall walls because it takes time to climb them risking the burglar being seen. However, fences can only be as tall as 4 feet to 6 feet as the law requires. If you think they are not high enough to deter burglars, you could add one or two of the three more options below.

2. Barbed Wire Fences

One of the common ways to keep out thieves that climb fences is to add barbed wires on top of the wall. But honestly, barbed cables are not very attractive if you want to keep your yard elegant and can offend neighbors.

3. Anti-Climbing Broken Glass Fence

Similar to barbed wires, broken glass will deter the criminals who attempt to climb your fences. While intruders may smash the glasses, it is efficient protection if you add them to a high wall. Hence, it would be harder to tamper with the broken glasses. Again keep in mind with some time and planning it’s still easy to get around it by either breaking the pieces of glass or putting a large coat over it while climbing.

4. Fence Spikes

An alternative option aside from barbed wires and broken glass fences is fence spikes. This option is far more attractive since they come with a different more uniform appearance. And you could add paint to them because the materials consist of metals.

5. Adding a Backyard Alarm System

Installing an alarm system is an excellent method to deter burglars from breaking into your backyard. An alarm is a solid deterrent for a thief because they believe the alarm might go off. You can bet that burglars will eventually move on to a less complicated target.

You can install a wireless alarm in your garden. The alarm receiver within the house sounds when a burglar activates a sensor. Backyard alarms are helpful early warning systems that you can use to detect humans, automobiles, and large animals, among other things.

6. Installing Backyard Surveillance Camera

You should install security cameras and point them to your backyard area. When it comes to protecting your belongings from robbery, outdoor security cameras can be a valuable asset. You’ll be able not just to keep an eye on your property, but you’ll also be able to catch burglars on video and report them to the authorities.

Consider purchasing security cameras with night vision, motion detection, and weatherproofing as this gives you a security advantage. Make sure your cameras are visible to potential criminals and high enough that a burglar can’t reach them to disconnect or tamper with.

7. Install Motion Sensor Lights

Another effective burglar deterrent is to install motion sensor lights on your premises. A bright light will illuminate the space when someone walks inside the range of the motion sensor. If you install one or more of these in your backyard, robbers will have a much more difficult time slipping inside at night. 

Moreover, as long as they’re not too close to the camera and facing the lens from the front, any lights will improve your camera’s night vision. Installing motion sensor floodlights behind the camera is the best option. It can increase the camera’s image quality in infrared mode, allowing for better facial images and recognition of other details.

8. Use Security Stickers and Yard Signs

You can install signage or stickers to display on the fence or windows and show off your security trademark prominently. You could also put a sign up that says, “Smile, You’re on Camera.”

It would be best if you do not hide your backyard security systems as studies have shown they do help as a visual deterrent even when not operational. Make them stand out as much as possible. Please install your outdoor cameras in walkways, doors, and sheds.

Even if you don’t have an alarm system, consider putting up some security signs in your yard to give robbers the impression that you do have them. Place security signs near any gates or entrances leading into your yard.

9. Consider Getting a Dog

Dogs help keep burglars and intruders away from your home. Overall, the greater the dog’s size, the more effective the deterrence is. According to statistics, huge dogs discourage burglars, and the bigger the dog, the less likely a robber will attempt a break-in. (1)

10. Grow Thorny Plants

Thorny plants and flowers at important access points may appear simple, but they can effectively deter intruders. Because they can cause pain when crossing, holly bushes are a fantastic example of a prospective perimeter plant. Planting them beneath windows and around fences is an excellent example of strategic placement.

11. Landscaping

Burglars tend to hide behind whatever is available when entering a backyard. Keeping your yard groomed and having more open space can be essential for a security strategy. So if you want a few shrubs surrounding your property, make sure they’re well placed so criminals can’t hide in them. (2)

12. Invest in Gate Latch

One of the safety tips we want to give you is having a gate latch. These mechanisms allow homeowners to move past the fence with considerable ease while keeping it closed.

The most basic types have a hole through which the user can slide a padlock to secure the bolt. Gate latch features combinations to unlock them from the outside.

13. Secure Your Valuables

If you leave tools lying around in the backyard, criminals will be able to utilize them to break into your house.  

You should store your tools in a locked garage or a secure, “pick-proof” shed. You should also secure your patio chairs and tables with chains or padlocks. This is to prevent burglars from using your patio chairs and table for entry.

Make sure you chain or padlock your ladder if you leave them outside. A burglar can access your second-story windows with a ladder. Therefore, hide your ladders in a less accessible area such as in a shed, attic, or basement.

Examine anything a possible robber could use to gain access to your property as you analyze your backyard security. Moreover, having tools and other valuables in the house signals to a burglar that the house could be an easy target. Give no motivation or tools for a criminal.

14. Keep it Lit Up

A well-lit area serves as an instant deterrence to burglars. The more light in your backyard, the more likely you catch a thief in action.

If you have a large backyard, you might want to consider putting up numerous lights around your property. Outdoor lighting’s goal is to eliminate blind spots and give complete coverage.

To add extra protection to your garden or backyard area, you can use motion sensor lighting. The light turns on when it detects motion and stays on for 1 to 20 seconds, depending on the selected timer. Unless it detects motion, the light will automatically turn off.

You may also install sensor lights outside along any paths that lead to a door. You can angle these lights at decks, patio areas, or stairwells.

Install sensor lights at every entryway to your house or property to add more backyard safety. You should place your motion sensor lights around 6 to 10 feet above the ground.

15. Secure Your Shed

Backyard sheds are gold mines for criminals seeking a quick score like power tools and equipment. 

You should protect your belongings inside, use a heavy-duty padlock to secure your shed. You may want to implement extra security measures around your shed, such as outdoor security cameras.

There are other ways to secure your shed; you can install a strong deadbolt lock to prevent most burglaries.

It’s also a good idea to photograph any valuable items in your backyards, such as your grills, decorative items, toys, fire pits, and anything else that a thief might steal. The images will serve as proof if something needs to be retrieved by insurance.

16. Use a Steel Cable to Lock your Valuables

You can purchase a steel cable in almost any hardware store to safeguard your more expensive goods like large grills. These cables are inexpensive, simple to use, and efficient.

Run the cable through the bases of numerous different pieces of furniture or items and secure it with a padlock. This criminal deterrent connects all of your backyard goods into a single strong connection, making it difficult for would-be burglars to take them.

17. Use Your Indoor Storage

As the saying goes, out of sight, out of mind. If you are not using your patio set, you may secure it from theft and harsh weather by putting it inside.

This doesn’t mean you should move your complete outdoor dining set to protected storage after every family barbecue, but you should do so during the chilly winter months. This will reduce the possibility of your outdoor items being stolen and help maintain your furniture in excellent shape for years to come.

When patio furniture is kept outside for an extended time, the fabric colors fade, rust accumulates, mildew grows, cracks appear, and other issues arise. Moving your patio furniture indoors may seem inconvenient, but the long-term quality will be well worth the effort.

Wrapping Up

Whatever you choose to do just make sure that you keep an eye on some of the basics we have covered in this guide. Though security cameras are great to have you probably need more in terms of prevention. If you have any questions feel free to ask us and will try to help the best we can.

References
(1) getting a dog – https://www.readersdigest.ca/home-garden/pets/10-things-you-need-know-getting-dog/
(2) landscaping – https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-landscaping-2130991