After all, if a criminal is too lazy to get a regular job, any additional barrier could cause just enough effort to deter him or her. Obviously, the taller the fence the better; however, wooden fences can provide a criminal with a hiding place from which to launch their attack from both sides of the fence. Wooden fences also prevent neighbors, passersby or even police patrol units from looking into areas surrounding your home.

Spot lights are the best. They should illuminate the front, back and both sides of your house. There should be no dark or shadowy areas, where a criminal could hide. Motions sensor activated lights are more desirable, since they only turn on, when the sensors detect activity, so they are less disturbing to neighbors and require less electricity.

Cut out or shorten bushes, trees and shrubs near your house. Tall bushes and shrubs, in close proximity to your house, provide an easy hiding place for criminals, from which they have quick and easy access to you and your family, while leaving or entering your home. This not only gives a criminal the opportunity to harm you, but it can also provide them with access into your home, where they have additional opportunities to harm the rest of your family.

They’re a great deterrent to break-ins. Posting alarm system signs in the yard and/or on windows can cause a potential burglar to avoid your house and move to down the street to find another opportunity. They can also scare off a burglar, after they attempt entry, and the audible alarm begins sounding.

Start with security doors and frames at all exterior entry/exit points; however, never install any physical security barriers or devices on your residence which will inhibit or prevent you or your family from a quick escape in an emergency, and make sure they all comply with local fire codes.