Do you need to make some simple changes to your yard so your home is more secure? You may have strong locks on doors and windows to prevent entry of thieves, and purchased NH Homeowners insurance to provide financial protection from burglary, but your yard may be making it easy for criminals to go about their work.
* An unlit yard can conceal a thief. Install security lighting that is triggered by a motion sensor.
* Keep bushes and trees trimmed, overgrown vegetation can create a hiding place for thieves.
* Poorly designed outdoor lighting can create shadows where a thief can hide. Position yard lights so that they are aimed downwards.
* Tall walls and fences can help an intruder to break in unobserved. When planning fencing, balance your desire for privacy against the need to have your yard visible from the street.
* Ladders left out in the yard make it easy for burglars to climb to reach high windows.
* A lawn littered with uncollected newspapers and a bulging mailbox announces to the world that you’re out of town. Arrange for a trusted neighbor to bring in mail and newspapers and keep an eye on your home while you’re away.
Remember to look at your home from the front and back of your home, during the day and night to see if there are any gaps in security. If you are planning to install security lighting or an alarm system, remember to let your insurance agent. You may be entitled to discounts for your NH Home Insurance.
Image from Chanpipat.