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.