At certain times of the year, you may find yourself more
concerned about your backyard security. Summertime is especially tricky because
we spend more time outdoors and tend to leave pricey items outdoors more often.
However, garden security isn't tied to seasons - it's
something you should consistently prioritize throughout the year. Although
burglaries may occur more frequently during certain times, you can never
predict when thieves might strike.
Fortunately, there are numerous ways to enhance your outdoor
security system. Some are more affordable than others, but their effectiveness
remains. The crucial aspect of garden security is to deter potential
thieves.
By making it challenging or complicated to break into your
garden, and putting barriers to impede a quick escape, you're likely to
discourage intruders and prompt them to abandon their plans.
Here are some smart ways to keep your backyard secure all
year round.
Outdoor security camera
When it comes to outdoor security cameras, you have a lot of
options. There are numerous designs available at different price ranges. But
the rule is that the more expensive the camera the more features will have.
So, make a list of what’s important to you before purchasing
an outdoor security camera. For example, you want your camera to have a 720p HD
resolution, so that you can check everything in and around your fences. Of
course, the higher the resolution the clearer and sharper the image, so you’ll
be able to make out specific details on the video.
In addition to great resolution, some other features your
outdoor security camera can have include security lights, sirens, and night
vision, to name a few.
Garden security light
Garden security lights or motion sensor lights are another
great solution for keeping your backyard secure. Outdoor lights can keep out
intruders.
Security lighting is an effective and relatively inexpensive
way to protect your backyard and other outdoor areas. Light in the backyard
means that there aren’t any shadows for intruders to hide in.
Just like with cameras, when it comes to security lights,
you have options. From timer lights, and motion sensor lights to effective solar security lights or outdoor wall lights.
If you want an affordable option, solar lights are a good
solution. They recharge during the day and switch on automatically at dusk, all
you have to do is simply position them and let them work on their own.
Put up a secure fence
Your fence serves as your primary defense against intruders
and it also signals private property. An intruder must cross this barrier to
access your backyard, so it's generally advisable to install a tall,
difficult-to-climb fence. The harder you make it for intruders to get into your
backyard, the less likely will they try.
Now, a tall fence doesn’t mean that it can’t be stylish and
match your landscaping nicely. Thankfully, today you have many options. For
fences up to 2 meters, you won’t need a permit, but anything taller than that
will require permission from your local council.
Choose fencing materials that can’t be easily knocked down
and as an extra security layer, you can plant some climbing plants to make
scaling more difficult. For instance, roses are a great option as they have
sharp thorns.
Landscape as an intruder deterrent
You can also use your landscaping to prevent intruders from
getting to your property. However, be careful if you’re going to use trees and
shrubs as a way to make it more difficult for intruders to get in.
Dense trees and bushes can provide cover for burglars to
sneak in undetected. That’s why you need to plan your landscaping carefully.
Sometimes you’ll benefit more from low-growing shrubbery that allows visual
access to your gate, back door, sheds, and garages.
Keep backyard storage locked
Most backyards have sheds, storage boxes, garages, and
similar storage solutions. And all these backyard storage places need to be
properly secured and locked when you’re not around. It’s a common misconception
that burglars won’t go inside sheds or garages looking for valuable items such
as expensive barbeque or pizza ovens.
You should make things as difficult as you can for
intruders. Lock your storage with padlocks and chains, don’t leave anything
unlocked or out in the open for intruders to easily get to.
Get a dog
If you don’t already have one, maybe it’s time to get a dog.
A dog is yet another great way to keep your backyard safe and secure.
Dog’s barking and growling is a great way to alert potential
intruders to stay away from your property. No intruder wants to face a dog and
get a bite or some other injury. Getting a large dog is ideal but small ones
can be equally scary.
If you can’t get a dog, you can create the illusion of
having a dog by placing a warning sign on your fence indicating you have one.
For added authenticity, consider placing a dog bed or food bowl on your porch.
Consider backyard insurance
Most home insurances also cover your backyard to some
degree. However, to be sure check to see whether there are any limits on your
insurance coverage. You may find that your bicycles are covered but only if
they are secured to a fixed point or kept in locked storage.
Before settling for certain insurance, take note of any
single item limits on your policies – the maximum amount a policy will pay for
an individual item.
For instance, if you have high-value items like
top-of-the-line BBQs or luxury garden furniture, these could exceed the limit,
and it's advisable to list such items separately on your policy.
Invest in security systems
And last but not least option you have is security systems.
Alarms and similar security systems have advanced quite a bit in the last
couple of decades.
Now, you can connect them to your phone or laptop and they
will send you alerts if anyone tries to get into your house or backyard.
Alarms are also relatively inexpensive to maintain after you
cover the initial installation cost. If you're unable to install an alarm, you
can still attempt to deceive burglars into believing you have one.
Placing signs or stickers around your gate and backyard with
security system logos might trick intruders into thinking your home is equipped
with a sophisticated alarm system and dissuade them from attempting to break
in.
Bottom Line
And there you have, some of the best tips that can help you
keep your backyard safe and secure. Hopefully, some of them work for you and
you can secure your home and backyard.
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