Landscaping around a home can be very aesthetically pleasing and add to the warmth and overall appearance. If not maintained though, it can be a would-be burglars best friend. Reduce your opportunity of your home being broken into and take the following important steps:
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Trim shrubbery and raise tree canopies so doors and windows are visible to neighbors, and from the street.
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Maintained and well-manicured landscaping should not provide concealment for criminals.
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If you have a second floor, prune trees so they can’t help a thief climb in a second floor windows.
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Place trellises where they can’t be used as ladders to gain entry to the upper floors.
- Ground plants (shrubbery) along any sidewalk, driveway, door or gate, should be maintained at a height of not more than three (3) feet.
- Ground plants under windows should be maintained at a height that is below the window sill to allow natural surveillance, inside and out.
- Trees canopies should be raised to a minimum of seven (7) feet off the ground.
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Place large gauge gravel on the ground near windows. The noise caused by intruders walking on it can become a psychological deterrent and may be heard by someone inside the home.
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DO NOT place river rocks or other items near glass windows or doors. These can be used by the burglar to break glass.
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Plant spiny (thorny) plants along fences and under windows. Such plants will discourage even the most nimble intruder. Often times, protecting with thorny plants is as effective as the use of barbed wire, and a lot more attractive.
Addresses (House Numbers)
Street numbers are required to be easily visible from the street. Critical time can be saved by emergency responders when the street address for the house is visible from a distance.
On your house . . .
- Use numbers made of reflective materials, or make sure that color of numbers contrasts with background color. Numbers should be at least three (3) inches high. Try to avoid using numbers written in script. These are difficult to read from the street
- Keep numbers new and clean and replace when necessary
- The numbers should be placed under a light and near the front door or garage entrance
Limit And/Or Direct Access To Yards And Store Rooms/Sheds
Intruders look for no, or few obstacles blocking quick exits. Fences prevent burglars from carrying away large items if the gates are locked. Gates should be lock at all times, even when you are home. Ladders and tools should be stored in a garage or storage shed, and these areas should be locked. Landscaping design can also help control/direct access to your property. Proper barriers designating private property can make a person with criminal intent feel uncomfortable as he or she approaches your home or business.
Wellness Proposals