Back Yard, Front Yard, and Fences

The area surrounding your house needs to be paid attention to when it comes to protecting your home from burglary and vandalism. Follow these tips to make sure your property is secure:

1. Install motion sensor lighting

   Light areas that are in darkness near the home, such as around windows and doors and exterior buildings such as unattached garages and sheds. Motion sensor lighting is a cost effective way to accomplish this as it is activated when movement occurs in a given area and turns off after a set period of time.

   Tips:

   • Position sensor lights to cover sidewalks leading to any door, deck, patio area, or stairways.
   • For additional security, put sensor lights at any entry way to the house or backyard.
   • Place your motion sensor lights approximately 10 feet above the ground so the lights cannot be easily tampered with.
2. Protect outdoor belongings

   The following outdoor belongings are often targeted by thieves:

   • Ladders: If you keep ladders out, be sure to chain or padlock them. A ladder can be used to gain entry to second story windows. If at all possible, store the ladders in a shed or garage.
   • Tools: Put tools away after a day of yard work. Lock them in a shed or in an enclosed garage area. Screwdrivers, hammers and pry bars can be used to break into your home, garage, or vehicle.
   • Tables and chairs. Use a chain or a cable to lock your patio furniture.
   • Bicycles and other ride-on toys: Always put them in a garage or shed. If you do not have either, lock them to something that can’t be moved.
3. Record and identify outdoor property

   Recording serial numbers or distinctive features of your valuable outdoor property in an inventory description list is recommended. Taking pictures of these items is also useful and can assist the police in recovering any property that is stolen.

4. Lay claim to your property

   Engrave your name, address or other unique identifier on your belongings and place them in discrete locations so they won’t be noticed. Recording where you place these identifying marks in the inventory description list is recommended.

5. Fencing

   Strong fencing is important for a number of reasons, including the reinforcement it provides for property owners. A strong, high fence not only keeps out most burglars, it keeps animals out as well.

   If you have a fence:

   • Check for holes and damage that may need repair.
   • Ensure locking mechanisms are working properly. A lock or latch that self closes and can be padlocked when you are away is recommended. Don’t make access to the latch too obvious.
6. Landscaping and yard maintenance

   Landscaping and yard maintenance is an important part of deterring theft on or around your property.

   Tips:

   • Eliminate hiding spots by trimming trees and shrubs. A pruned and maintained yard robs intruders of hiding places. Ensure trees limbs are trimmed high enough and shrubs are trimmed low enough to not hide a trespasser.
   • If you do decide to leave shrubs and trees larger, consider plants that can hinder thieves. Rose bushes, berry bushes, Firethorn, and Hawthorne are good examples.
   • Mow your lawn and keep your yard clean. An untended lawn is a potential sign that you don’t care about your home and may have left a way in.
7. Security Signage

   Having signage that indicates existence of a security system in the home is a great deterrent to burglars. Make sure that signs are placed in visible spots on the front and the back of your property. For more information on protecting your property visit the Edmonton Police website or contact BGR Security Systems for a free consultation about your security needs.