Genius Home Security Tips That Start In Your Backyard

When it comes to safeguarding our homes, our focus often gravitates towards securing the main structure of our house itself — locking doors, installing alarms, and reinforcing windows. However, the truth is, that an important line of defense against intruders and potential threats can start right in our own backyard. Overlooking this outdoor space as a vital component of home security is a common mistake, yet it holds immense potential in deterring trespassers and enhancing overall safety.

Your backyard, typically associated with leisure and relaxation, can be a strategic asset in your home's security plan. By harnessing the features and layout of this outdoor area, you can create a strong barrier that complements traditional security measures and bolsters the protection of your property and loved ones. Don't know how? No worries. Today, we're delving into the realm of backyard security and revealing strategies and techniques to fortify your home from the outside in. Whether you're a seasoned homeowner seeking to upgrade your existing security infrastructure or a newcomer eager to establish a robust defense system from scratch, we've got you covered. 

Your first line of defense in your backyard is secure fencing. A sturdy fence acts as a physical barrier, preventing unauthorized access to your property. Invest in high-quality materials such as heavy-duty wood, wrought iron, or steel for durability and resilience against intrusion attempts. When it comes to the design, pick a structure that deters climbing. This can include sharp spokes or planting obstacles along the fence like thorny plants that make it hard for an intruder to reach your fence or get over it. Counterintuitively, while your fence should be physically inaccessible, it should also allow for neighbors and passersby to see what's going on inside of your fence. If an intruder is likely to feel seen inside the perimeters of your house, they are less likely to break in.  

It is important to regularly maintain your fence to uphold its integrity. Gradual wear and tear compromise its effectiveness as a security measure. So if a fence is showing signs of damage beyond repair, it is important to replace it in a timely manner to ensure continued security. 

If your backyard has a gate or an entryway, reinforce these areas. Use high-quality locks resistant to tampering, such as deadbolts or padlocks with shackles. If possible, try to use automatic locks, so that you don't run the risk of human error and accidentally leave your gates unlocked. Smart locks are also a viable option as they offer added convenience, allowing you to remotely monitor them via smartphone and manage access from a distance. 

If burglars do make it past your fence or gateways, then motion-activated lights can offer another means of deterring them from breaking into your home. These lights are designed to illuminate suddenly upon detecting movement, startling intruders. Burglars typically prefer to operate under the cover of the dark, so the sudden exposure to light can make them feel vulnerable, or even blind them which may deter them from pursuing their plans to break and enter. Installing motion-activated lights in your backyard is particularly effective because intruders often explore alternative entry points besides the front door. This proactive approach ensures that any movement in your backyard triggers immediate illumination, creating a less appealing environment for would-be intruders.

Compared to leaving outdoor lights on continuously, motion-activated lights are more energy-efficient and cost-effective. These lights only activate when they detect movement, reducing both energy consumption and utility costs. Moreover, motion-activated lights come in various styles and designs to accommodate different preferences and installation requirements. Whether you prefer discreet wall-mounted lights, powerful floodlights, or eco-friendly solar-powered options, there's a motion-activated light solution to suit your needs.

Moreover, these lights are highly sensitive. They can detect even small amounts of movement. However, you don't need to fret about false alarms caused by passing animals, because these days you can customize the sensitivity. This way, your neighbor won't secretly hate you for waking them up in the middle of the night for no reason. 

Installing security cameras in strategic locations around your backyard provides comprehensive surveillance coverage. The key is to make sure these cameras are visible to potential intruders. This factor is what makes it less appealing for criminals to attempt to break in since they know the property is monitored. By strategically placing cameras to cover entry points, vulnerable areas, and valuable assets, you can effectively monitor activity and deter trespassers. In fact, a study published in Security Journal, found that the mere presence of CCTV in residential buildings reduced crime rates significantly in areas that are more prone to crime. An interview with former burglar Luke Harris confirms this notion, as he tells Tech Radar that visible deterrents often scare intruders and "make thieves think twice before breaking in." 

These days, security cameras also come with wireless connections to smartphones or web apps. This function allows them to come in handy while you're on vacation and your home is more vulnerable to intrusions, as you can keep an eye on your property from anywhere, providing peace of mind whether you're at home or away.

When it comes to home security, we tend to focus on securing the entryways to our main living spaces. We often overlook the security of sheds or outbuildings in our backyards. However, these structures are not immune to the threat of theft or intrusion. In fact, sheds and outbuildings can be prime targets for criminals due to the valuable items they often contain, including tools that can be pawned or used as weapons. 

By installing alarms on sheds and outbuildings in your backyard, you extend your home security perimeter and provide an additional layer of protection for your property. These alarms serve as a proactive deterrent, alerting you to unauthorized access attempts before intruders get into your actual home, and scaring them off quickly. 

Moreover, sheds and outbuildings can provide potential hiding spots for intruders as they survey your property and plan their route of entry into your home. Alarms here can catch intruders off guard, as they may not expect outbuildings to be thoroughly secured and prevent them from progressing further onto your property.

In addition to extraneous features that you can add to your backyard, the very layout and design of your lawn can contribute to (or take away from) the security of your property. Here's why. 

Certain landscaping choices can compromise your home's safety. For example, overgrown trees and shrubs can inadvertently provide convenient hiding spots for potential intruders. However, by trimming trees and shrubs that obstruct the view of your home from the street, or your view of your yard from your home, you eliminate these hiding spots and enhance visibility. Clear sightlines allow you and your neighbors to easily monitor activity around your home. This makes it more challenging for intruders to conceal themselves, deterring potential break-ins. 

Furthermore, a well-maintained and visible landscape sends a message that your property is actively cared for and monitored. Intruders are less likely to target homes that appear well-maintained and visible, as they perceive them as less vulnerable to intrusion attempts. By prioritizing visibility in your landscaping, you can reduce the likelihood of becoming a target for criminal activity.