Lock'em Out - Outdoor Lighting and Landscaping

Latches and Locks

Outdoor Lighting and Landscaping

Clearly Visible House Numbers

Keep Garage Door Closed

Entry Door Peep Viewer

Metal, Solid or Security Screen Doors

Operation Identification

Use of Security Bar for Arcadia Door

Timers for Interior Lights and Radio

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MYTH: Most burglaries occur during the middle of the night when everyone is sleeping.

FACT: Almost all residential burglaries occur in the middle of the day when “no” one is home. Most burglars only want to steal your property. It is extremely rare that a burglar breaks into a home when it is apparent that someone is inside.

Here are 3 tips that will give your home the illusion that someone is home – even if when you’re not:

Leave a radio playing
Put indoor lights on light timers
Make sure that your answering machine says your “not available” not that you are “not at home”.

It is a known fact that good lighting is a deterrent to crime. While any lighting will help reduce your risk of becoming a victim, proper lights, used correctly, will be the most effective deterrent.

Darkness is a thief’s best friend. To see well, we need adequate light, but not too much. (You don’t want to blind your neighbors). This means good lighting design is required. You should definitely have light outside of every door and you will want to make sure that there is sufficient light in your front, back, side yard and carport areas. “Dusk to dawn” or photocell fixtures should be installed or attached to the existing light fixtures so that your exterior lights automatically come on at dark and off at dusk, and do not give clues about whether or not you are home.

Another great light to use outdoors is a motion sensor light. This type of light is great for large yards and areas such as side yards that are hidden from view. When installed properly, they serve as a warning system by turning on when motion is detected.

Good visibility is a must to ward off a thief. Windows and doors should be cleared of landscaping that blocks both you and your neighbors visibility of your home. Basically, trees should be trimmed up above 7 foot and bushes below 3 foot. This way, no one can hide under or behind them to conceal themselves while attempting to tamper with a window or door to enter the premises. Also, make sure that all trees are trimmed away from the house, especially if you have two stories. You would not want the tree to be used as a ladder to get to a second floor.

Thorny, spiny desert plants such as cacti, pyracantha and acacia bushes or trees, all provide natural security barriers when planted along your property lines, underneath windows or around fences. Additionally, they are low water users and require little to no maintenance once established.

You may want to also consider desert rock under windows or around the front and rear yard. The sound of someone walking on the desert rock produces a noise that may also serve as an added deterrent and many times will even alert the family dog on an intruder.