Backyard Safety: How to burglar-proof the backyard

We have a garden rental that was burglarized.  We’ve since updated the locks and our tenants have now activated their alarm.  The police officers mentioned that entering via the backyard is the most common way brownstones are burglarized and that many would-be thieves simply jump the fences until they find an easy (or open) door.  They also told us that recently, thieves are much bolder and attempting to enter homes in the daytime or even though the lights are on in the house (our tenants were watching tv when the burglar entered).  Just curious what steps others have taken to safeguard their homes.  I think a burglar would have a hard time entering our building now that the alarm and locks are updated, but I don’t want them coming through my yard at all.  Any ideas that are relatively low-cost and easy-to-install would be greatly appreciated!  are there steps you and your neighbors have taken together (e.g., neighborhood watch)?

pepinohill

in Alarm 12 years and 2 months ago

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cate | 11 years and 1 month ago

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I like to plant very thorny roses!

SewardWasRight | 12 years and 2 months ago

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Concertina wire always works. I think there is a company that advertises on here that will install it for you.

josh moynahan | 12 years and 2 months ago

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We have a rotweiller.  We generally keep him on the hungry side and when we do feed him, we give him raw red meat.   That way if he gets someones leg he knows that is what he should be eating.   No break ins to report and we live in bushwick.

bpie | 12 years and 2 months ago

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A Dog. I would think most thieves who know a dog is in and out of the house, will be less likely to enter the yard.  I was home one day and noticed two guys on my deck with a ladder.  I went and banged on the window and said a few choice words.  They claimed to be from the cable company, though they never rang my bell for entry.  I have no idea how they got back there, all the yards are attached.  I went downstairs and opened the door and let the dog loose…..

Arkady | 12 years and 2 months ago

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I had that problem years ago & the Community Service cop told me the best safety measure was lighting in the yard itself.  Also, although the law is that a fence may only be 6 feet, you are allowed to put something that’s easily taken down – such as trellising – so long as it wouldn’t deter firemen getting access so I have 18″ of trellis on top of the fence.  If a burglar tried to get over it, it would make a lot of noise crashing down.