Having your home fall prey to an intruder is a terrifying thought for all homeowners, and with approximately 400,000 Australian homes broken into in 2020, it’s not a threat to take lightly. Burglars typically look for houses they can enter within five minutes and do so undetected, so prioritizing strong backyard security is essential.
Burglaries can amount to devastating financial loss and significantly impact your emotional and mental well-being. This list comprises easy, actionable ways to help you scare off or delay the entry of any potential robber by making your property a high-risk target.
Top 10 Security Tips for Your Backyard
1. Install Motion-Sensor Lights
Burglars want to get in and out of a house with their spoils without being caught, as many are non-violent criminals who seek to avoid confrontation. Installing motion sensor lights automatically makes the task of entering your property unseen a lot more challenging.
- Deterrence – The sudden burst of light can startle and scare off an intruder.
- Visibility – Lighting up an area denies the burglar the cover of darkness, increasing the chance of them being sighted by a neighbor or homeowner.
2. Invest in a Security System (or just act like you do!)
Modern alarms can connect to your mobile phone, sending you instant alerts if anyone intrudes into your property, including the backyard. These systems are reasonably cheap to run once the initial installation expense is covered.
- Detection – Set alarms around your backyard as well as your home to be instantly notified of any unauthorized entry.
- Faking It – If you can’t install one, use signs or stickers around your gate with a security systems logo to fool intruders into thinking your home is protected.
3. Lock or Hide Valuables
Leaving expensive items like power tools, bikes, or water sports equipment strewn across your backyard attracts burglars and signals you are an easy target. If valuables are visible in the yard, a robber doesn’t even have to break into your home to get away with a bounty.
- Secure Storage – Anything valuable should be securely stored in a locked area.
- Out of Sight – Ensure all valuable items are preferably out of sight for anyone casing out your backyard.
4. Have the Most Secure Fence Installed
Your fence is your first line of defense, signaling private property that an intruder must cross to gain entry into your backyard. It’s generally a good idea to install a tall, hard-to-climb fence to deter most intruders.
- Hard-to-Climb Materials – Fences like Colorbond are made of large, vertical steel panels, making them difficult to scale.
- Secure Access – Ensure your fence has a secure gate; a self-locking or automatic gate prevents strangers from simply jimmying it open.
5. Landscape to Deter Burglars
While planting trees and dense bushes might seem like a good idea for defense, dense foliage can actually offer cover for burglars to sneak in undetected. It is more beneficial to use low-growing shrubbery that maximizes visibility.
- Visibility – Choose low-growing shrubbery around your gate, back door, sheds, and garages to allow clear visual access.
- Exposure – This design ensures any intruder is fully exposed when attempting to break in, deterring them from making the attempt.
6. Get a Dog (or just act like you do!)
A dog is one of the best ways to scare off any potential burglars, as no one wants to face down a tough dog that could injure them or draw attention by barking. If you have a large dog, many burglars will wisely steer clear of your house for an easier target.
- Sound Alarm – A barking or growling dog is an instant, effective alarm system.
- Faking It – If you can’t have a dog, put a warning sign on your fence and strategically place a dog bed or food bowl on your porch to make your claim believable.
7. Install Cameras
Cameras have advanced to become innovative, smart little gadgets that can be connected to your phone via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to live stream footage. Many modern cameras are motion-sensing, so you will get instantly alerted if any movement is detected.
- Remote Monitoring – A live stream allows you to alert authorities immediately if you see anyone breaking into your home, even if you are away.
- Visible Deterrence – Having visible cameras displayed around your backyard has the added benefit of scaring away burglars.
8. Lock Up Any Sheds or Garages
Homeowners often focus too much on the house and forget about the expensive items sitting in their garage or garden shed. Ensure these external structures are always securely locked, as they often contain valuable tools and equipment.
- Visual Check – A large padlock or deadbolt will instantly signal to a potential thief that the structure is securely locked.
- Prevent Easy Access – Always ensure these spaces are locked up tight to prevent easy theft.
9. Park Cars in Garages
Expensive cars can make your home an attractive target, as a burglar may either want to steal the vehicle or take it as a hint that you are wealthy and have more expensive items inside. There is also the risk of keys or garage door openers being kept inside the car.
- Concealment – Park your car in the garage, keeping it out of sight and mind of potential thieves.
- Alternative Protection – If garage parking isn’t an option, use a car cover or ensure your car is heavily alarmed.
10. Keep Your House Secure
If the earlier steps fail to prevent an intruder from gaining access to your backyard, your home itself must be secured against easy entry. Every additional minute a burglar spends trying to get inside increases their risk of being caught.
- Entry Points – Securely lock and bolt all doors and windows.
- Remove Clues – Ensure any spare key is not hidden in a conspicuous place, and keep curtains and blinds drawn to prevent burglars from scoping out valuable items inside.
Final Thoughts
Burglar-proofing your backyard is a layered defense that requires a combination of smart technology, secure barriers, and intentional landscaping. By implementing these ten strategies, you move your home from an “easy target” to a “high-risk target,” which is enough to deter most opportunistic criminals. Prioritizing your fence, lighting, and visibility is the best way to protect your property, your assets, and your peace of mind.
Get in touch with Jim’s Fencing on 13 15 46 to talk about installing a secure fence to prevent burglars from accessing your backyard.
Related articles that may interest you: