Home Security: How to Keep Your Home from Being Vandalized

Home burglaries occur at a rate of about two million annually in the United States, but that’s not all homeowners have to worry about. There are also people who are willing to cause property damage just for fun. Home vandalism is a growing problem that leaves many people justifiably angry and frustrated. After all, a single act of vandalism can cost the homeowner thousands of dollars to repair. Fortunately, there are some ways you can reduce the chance of your home falling prey to vandals.

Prickly Plantings

Most forms of home vandalism occur on the house itself. In light of this, it’s important to make sure that the sides of your home are protected by a barrier. Dense plantings of thorny yet attractive shrubs are ideal for this purpose. Some varieties to consider include hawthorne, rugosa rose and barberry bushes. These plants are fairly inexpensive, widely available and grow well in a variety of climates.

Increase Lighting

Vandals and other would-be criminals generally avoid areas that are well-lit so they’re less likely to be seen. As a homeowner, you can use this to your advantage. Try installing outdoor lighting near your garage, front door, driveway, walkways and around your back yard. Many of these lights are available as solar-charged units that automatically turn on when it gets dark outside.

Install a Home Security System

Of course, one of the best methods of preventing vandalism and other crimes is to install a home security system. These systems often come with sensors that set off an alarm if someone causes damage to your windows and doors (Source: Arpel Security Systems). Some may also feature motion sensors that make outdoor lights turn on, which will send most would-be criminals fleeing.

Get a Dog

Dogs make excellent companions, but they’re also a highly effective early warning system. Dogs have hearing that is five times more sensitive than a humans. This means they’ll be able to hear someone approaching your home long before you do, and they’ll most likely start barking. Furthermore, most criminals don’t want to deal with a potentially vicious dog, so when they hear one barking, they’ll likely rethink targeting your home.

Install Security Cameras

The high price of security cameras used to make them an option only for rich homeowners, but in recent years, they’ve become affordable for the average person. What’s more, they’ve become easier to set up. Consider investing in cameras that keep an eye on key areas of your home’s exterior, such as doors, windows and back yards. The mere presence of the cameras can serve as a deterrent, but if someone vandalizes your home anyway, you’ve got evidence to take to the police.

Nobody should be made to feel like a victim in their own home, yet home vandals aim to do just that. In order to protect yourself and your property from these criminals, try incorporating some of these modifications into your home and landscape.