13 Common Yard Features That Signal You’re Away.
Keeping your home safe and secure while you’re away is a top priority, but small details in your yard could give burglars a clear sign that no one is home. While most of us make sure alarms are set and locks are secure, it’s easy to overlook the outdoor clues that reveal your absence.
Burglars are skilled at recognizing signs that a house is empty. In this post, we’ll explore common yard features that can tip off intruders and offer tips on how to secure your property and prevent an unwelcome visit.
Lack of Footprints in Snow
If you live in an area that experiences snow, the absence of footprints or tire tracks on your property signals that no one has been around for a while. While this isn’t a concern in warmer months, during winter, it’s a good idea to have someone shovel your walkways regularly to avoid the eerie look of an untouched property.
Neglected Garden
An unattended garden not only suggests you’re away, but it can also provide burglars with easy access to your home. Weeds and overgrown plants can give your yard an abandoned appearance. Whether you care for your plants yourself or hire someone to water them, keeping up with your garden helps maintain a lived-in look.
Accumulating Mail
Overflowing mail is one of the most obvious signs of an unoccupied house. If your mailbox is full, it’s clear that no one is around to collect it. You can request a temporary mail hold from the USPS or ask a neighbor to pick it up while you’re away. This small task helps avoid signaling that you’re not home.
Unattended Trash Bins
If trash bins are left at the curb for days after pick-up, it signals that no one is around to return them. If you’re going away, ask a neighbor or friend to take care of your bins. This simple act makes a difference in preventing burglars from noticing your absence.
Empty Driveway
A driveway without any cars is a clear indication that you’re not home. If you don’t have a garage or the space for parking, try to arrange for a neighbor to park their car in your driveway while you’re away. It helps maintain the illusion that someone is around.
Cluttered Yard
A yard full of scattered toys, gardening tools, or old furniture may indicate that no one is there to maintain it. A cluttered yard gives an impression of neglect. Before you leave, tidy up and put things away. A well-kept yard shows that your home is cared for.
Untrimmed Bushes and Trees
Overgrown bushes and trees not only look unattractive, but they also offer hiding spots for burglars. Foliage near windows and doors provides cover for anyone attempting to approach your home undetected. Regular trimming and pruning reduce the chances of your yard becoming a hiding place for unwanted visitors.
Damaged Fence
A broken or damaged fence can be an easy entry point for burglars. Fences often take a beating, and you might not notice damage right away. Before you travel, check for any holes or broken sections and repair them. A strong, well-maintained fence not only protects your property but also gives the impression that your home is being looked after.
Lack of Outdoor Lighting
Dimly lit areas around your home can be an invitation for burglars to sneak around undetected. Poor lighting on your driveway, front porch, or backyard offers them cover. Installing motion sensor lights is an effective way to deter criminal activity, as any movement will trigger the lights, alerting people to the presence of someone nearby.
Broken or Unattended Windows
Broken windows are an obvious signal that your house might be an easy target. Leaving windows open or unrepaired gives burglars a clear opportunity to break in. Before leaving, make sure all windows are locked and that nothing looks vulnerable from the outside.
Overgrown Grass
A lawn that is not mowed or overgrown sends a message that no one is around to take care of it. An untidy, patchy lawn can make your house seem unoccupied. Arrange for a friend or hire a lawn service to mow your lawn while you’re away, so your property doesn’t appear abandoned.
Abandoned Vehicles
An old or broken-down vehicle in your driveway or yard can be another sign that no one is home. If you have an unwanted vehicle, try to move it to a garage or ask someone to take care of it. An abandoned car sitting outside can signal that no one is there to take care of it.
