There are many things you can do to the exterior of your house or in the yard to deter burglars and make it more difficult to force entry.
Keep your shrubbery cut back so that it doesn’t block windows and doors.
Secure window air conditioners from the inside.
Illuminate as much of your property as possible.
Exterior doors should be solid, not hollow. Metal doors provide the best protection against forced entry.
Use fencing that does not conceal burglars’ activities—if you can’t see out, others can’t see in.
Secure any glass that is less than 40′ from a door lock. Either coat exterior glass with an acrylic or polycarbonate to strengthen, or replace with laminated or tempered glass.
Door hinges that are on the outside should have a non-removable center pin that can’t be tampered with.
Install deadbolt locks.
Dogs are great deterrents to burglars. Even a strategically placed “Beware of Dog” sticker can make a burglar think twice.
Place hinged security bars over basement windows. Remember to keep the key nearby for emergency exits.
Pin sliding patio doors together when closed. For added protection, drill a hole in the upper track and insert a screw that extends out into the runner to prevent the door from being lifted up and out of its track.
Ensure that a burglar cannot access the roof from high trees or a ladder.
Do Not
DO NOT put up a nameplate outside of your house with your full name. A burglar can use this to uncover more information about you.
DO NOT leave a note on the door or in the mailbox telling a friend/family member that you aren’t home.
DO NOT leave spare keys in an obvious place, such as the mailbox or under the front door mat. This makes it easy for a burglar to rob your house without forcing entry.
DO NOT leave cash and handbags in view in your home.
DO NOT leave any doors unlocked.