It might be your pride and joy, but did you know your garden could also be advertising to burglars they are welcome to the party? What looks like a cozy sanctuary to you could be an opportunity-filled playground to someone with ill intentions. Your outdoor space may inadvertently be aiding thieves—from that charming garden furniture to the lush foliage.
Burglars are opportunists. The FBI says that in 2022, there were nearly 1 million burglaries in the United States. Most of these weren’t dramatic break-ins but quiet entrances, with the homeowners’ help, made possible by the homeowners’ own setups. A garden isn’t usually the first thing people think of when making sure their home is secure, but it’s one of the most overlooked areas that can make or break your security.
Cover Is Provided by Overgrown Greenery
Let’s start with the obvious: overgrown bushes and trees. You might find the “secret garden” vibe perfect, but those thick hedges make for a great hiding place for scoping out your home. That would be great cover for a burglar who could crouch unseen and check out your windows or wait for just the right moment.
Fences That Are Decorative, Are Not So Secure
While those adorable picket fences or ornamental iron gates might make your yard look inviting, it’s all too easy to climb or bypass. Proper height and sturdy locks do not keep thieves from easily scaling fences. SafeHome.org reports that 34% of burglars get into your house via the front door or yard. A welcome sign is a flimsy garden gate. Buy tall, secure fencing with locks that it is hard to get into.
Tools Working as Helpers Without Being Secured
You may not know it, but that ladder stuck against the shed or those garden items dropped over the yard can be a thief’s best friend. It’s easy for someone to get up to upper windows with the help of a ladder, and hammers or crowbars are great for breaking in. The National Crime Prevention Council recommends that all outdoor equipment be locked up in a secure shed or garage. It could be a little inconvenience for you, but it could be the difference for your thief to steal or break in.
Looking Out the Windows at Your Belongings
Is there a direct view of your living room or kitchen into your garden? Can a thief see your new TV or laptop from the yard? They may think it’s worth the risk. Frosted glass or blinds can also take away the opportunity to see your valuables from plain sight. Burglars don’t deserve a window-shopping opportunity.
Spare Keys That Are Obvious When Hidden Outside
You know the classic ‘key under the flowerpot’ trick, but so do burglars. It’s like leaving a cheat code for someone to break in. If you don’t want to stash a key under a rock—or want something more secure, get a lockbox with a code or give a spare to a trusted neighbor.
Poor Lighting
A burglar’s paradise is a dark yard. There are no motion sensor lights or even simple pathway lights to expose thieves that they are there, they can sneak around undetected. It’s one of the easiest and most effective deterrents. If they think they’ll be seen, people are far less likely to try anything suspicious. Motion-activated lights are a bargain that will give you peace of mind and put intruders on edge.
Expensive Decor
It might be tempting to want to display that beautiful new patio set or fancy barbecue grill, but it’s also a flashing neon sign to burglars. Leaving high-value items outside promises there are more goodies inside to steal. Lock up or cover expensive outdoor furniture when it’s not in use. That’s a small step to keep sticky fingers (and everything else) away.
Treasure Troves in Unlocked Garden Sheds
Garden sheds often contain more than gardening tools, but are a gold mine of expensive equipment like power tools, bikes, or lawnmowers. Unfortunately, many people forget to lock them. A padlock or an alarmed lock can be a big difference.
Climbing Plants Create Access Points
While it may be lovely to have ivy crawling up your walls or a trellis covered in flowering vines, they’re also natural ladders for thieves. Climbing plants should be trimmed and kept away from windows or roofing materials. If an intruder can find their way in, a pretty wall isn’t worth the risk.
Neglected Security Cameras
Security cameras are a great step; however, they only work if they are maintained and kept in good working order. They are useless if hindered by overgrown plants or bad positioning. Make sure your cameras work and they have a view of your garden and entry points regularly. If the burglars know they’re being watched, they’re less likely to try to break in.
An Empty Looking Garden
If your garden appears abandoned—like uncut grass, faded furniture, or a pile of old leaves—it can indicate that you’re not around very much. This could be an easy target for thieves to interpret.
Vulnerable Wi-Fi Router
If your router is next to a window that looks out onto the garden, you’ve probably made hacking into your network that bit easier. Access to your smart home devices doesn’t always require that a thief break a window. Make sure you’re using strong passwords for your Wi-Fi and keep your router in a more central, less visible space. It’s a simple block to digital intruders.
