Many homeowners fail to notice simple outdoor vulnerabilities which makes their properties an easy target for thieves. When it comes to keeping your sanctuary safe, it’s all about the little things. Can you imagine being frustrated to find that your weak link on home security wasn’t within your home but it was outside your house, out there for anyone to look at?
For outdoor security, easy and common oversights can put your family’s safety at risk. Tired of overgrown hedges, neglecting lighting, or just a slip-up, they offer unwanted visitors an opportunity. Before they are exploited, let’s look at the outdoor security mistakes you may be making and how to correct them.
No Clear House Numbers
Clear house numbers aren’t just for emergency responders and delivery personnel. What they can’t find easily, criminals can’t target. Make sure your house numbers are clear, well-lit, and not hidden behind foliage. This small detail can also help to speed up police response times in case of an emergency.
Overlooking The Backyard
The backyard is an equally vulnerable spot too, but they often get all the attention. The front of the property is as important as the rear and should consist of secure fences, locked sheds, and proper lighting. Well-lit backyards with no hiding spots are a clear signal that your home isn’t worth the risk.
Unsecured Tools And Equipment
In your hands, your garden tools are harmless, but to a burglar, they’re a free set of break-in devices. Leaving ladders, hammers, and shovels out in the open is like leaving a key under the mat. A hammer could break glass and a ladder could make easy access to an upstairs window. Better safe than sorry! Keep these things stored in a locked shed or garage.
Neglecting Security Cameras
More accessible and affordable than ever, yet many homeowners still don’t install security cameras—or worse, they install them incorrectly. A camera looking at the sky, or one hidden behind a plant, is about as useful as a chocolate teapot. Install cameras at entryways, driveways, or in the backyard. Visible cameras can deter up to 60 percent of potential burglars, according to a University of North Carolina study. Pro tip: Make sure your cameras are regularly checked to make sure they’re working and recording.
Poor Light Near the Property
Trouble makers find dark corners and shadowy areas around your home to be like open invitations. Poorly lit homes provide the perfect cover for many burglaries that happen under the cover of darkness. Your first line of defense can be motion sensor lights. Exterior lighting has a 20% reduction of crime in homes, says the National Institutes of Health. A quick fix? At night, walk your property and note where there is poor visibility. You might save yourself a potentially expensive mistake by strategically placing a floodlight.
Not Wisely Using Smart Technology
Doorbell cameras, motion detectors, and smart lights are great gadgets in a smart home—if used properly. However, if you don’t turn on these systems or forget to update their software, you could be vulnerable.
‘Beware Of Dog’ Signs Are Overused
Yes, “Beware of Dog” signs might mean you have a fearsome guard dog, but seasoned burglars know the trick. If you don’t have a real dog, you’re better off going with real deterrents: alarms or surveillance systems. If you have a furry friend, remember they are a companion first, not a foolproof security system.
No Alarm Signage
Even if you don’t have a security system, you can still prevent crime by putting up alarm company signs that might make a potential intruder think twice. SafeHome.org reports that 83 percent of burglars do check for signs of a security system before attempting a break-in. It’s great to have real alarm system signs to go with the alarm systems.
Forgetting To Secure Windows
Burglars tend to use the windows, especially on the ground floor. Even leaving them unlocked, if “just for fresh air,” can be a costly mistake. Window locks and shatterproof film or glass-break sensors are also an important part of any home security plan. As they say, better to be safe than have an empty living room.
Leaving Spare Keys Outdoors
A spare key hidden under the doormat or flowerpot may feel like a clever trick, but it’s a tried and true tactic that burglars are well aware of. Choose a key lockbox or go digital with locks that don’t require any physical keys at all. This means that someone won’t be able to locate your hidden key by accident.
Ignoring Package Theft Risks
Porch piracy is on the rise as online shopping becomes standard. This growing problem can be fought by installing a lockbox for deliveries or asking neighbors to collect packages. Or, you can buy smart doorbells with cameras so you can see who is at the door.
Overgrown Shrubs And Bushes
Overgrown landscaping creates a nature walk for intruders to work with. A good shrub makes a thief feel right at home as they crouch behind it to scope out a window or door. Trim your greenery to prevent it from becoming a possible cover.
Unlocked Gates And Fences
An open, or unsecured gate, is an open invitation. Gates and fences with a sturdy lock can say a lot about how you regard security. According to research, locked fences and gates mean fewer trespassing incidents. Select a high-quality lock, and get in the habit of locking all doors before you head off to bed.
