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How do you protect your home from burglars? Well, what’s in your yard could be inviting crime. A well-kept lawn can boost curb appeal, but it can also catch the eye of someone with bad intentions. Certain lawn additions, while attractive or convenient, may unintentionally signal that your home is an easy or valuable target. Here are eight common outdoor features that could draw burglars closer.
1. Visible Security Cameras (That Don’t Work)
Fake or outdated cameras can give you a false sense of protection. Experienced burglars often spot these right away and may see them as a sign that you’re not serious about security. If your security systems need an update, don’t delay. Your home and yard are vulnerable without them.
2. Expensive Grills or Outdoor Kitchens
Did you just install an outdoor kitchen? These are thief magnets. A top-of-the-line grill or full outdoor kitchen can suggest there’s more luxury inside. If it’s not locked down or covered, it could invite theft or a more thorough break-in.
3. Poorly Lit Entryways or Side Yards
Burglars love shadows. Dark corners, unlit walkways, or burned-out bulbs around your home make it easier for someone to approach unnoticed. It’s best to install motion detector lights and put all your outdoor lights on timers. Dark homes and yards can also signal that you aren’t home.
4. Unlocked Sheds or Detached Structures
Do you lock your shed? That garden shed might be filled with tools a thief can use to break into your house. And if it’s detached and out of view, it’s an easy place to snoop without being seen. Your detached structures need just as much security as your home, for this reason.
5. Overgrown Bushes or Tall Hedges
Thick landscaping may give you privacy, but it also gives burglars a hiding spot. Shrubs near windows or doors can shield them as they check for vulnerabilities. They can also keep your neighbors from seeing any suspicious activity if you aren’t around. You might want to prioritize security over privacy to avoid a break-in.
6. Toys or Bikes Left Outside
Leaving bikes, scooters, or sports gear in plain sight can suggest that children live there. This may signal to a burglar that expensive tech is inside and the home is empty during school hours. It’s also a safety issue, letting criminals know kids live there. Always put toys away in a garage or shed.
7. Open Gates or Broken Fences
A missing latch or broken slats sends a clear message: this home is easy to access. Even decorative gates should be secure to send the opposite signal. Weak entry points show neglect, and burglars often target homes that appear poorly maintained. Fixing a gate is a simple step that can make your property instantly less inviting to intruders.
8. Packages or Flyers Stacking Up
Anything that looks neglected, like a pile of mail, packages, or even uncollected lawn care flyers, can make your home seem vacant, which is a prime target for burglars. Thieves often look for signs that no one’s been home for days. Even a few takeout menus stuck on your door can send the wrong message. Ask a neighbor to collect your mail or use a hold service if you’ll be away.
Security Starts at the Curb
Your lawn should make your home feel safe, not vulnerable. A few small changes, like better lighting, secured structures, and visible signs of activity, can send the right message. It will say this home is cared for, occupied, and not an easy target.
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Teri Monroe started her career in communications working for local government and nonprofits. Today, she is a freelance finance and lifestyle writer and small business owner. In her spare time, she loves golfing with her husband, taking her dog Milo on long walks, and playing pickleball with friends.
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