How To Prevent Your Property From Being Vandalized

It doesn’t matter where you live — vandalism is always a possibility. Vandals can strike at any time and any place. When they do, it can be scary. Nobody likes coming home to evidence of his or her possessions having been rifled through or their property having been damaged. It’s the kind of experience that makes you feel violated, and it affects the whole neighborhood. Others notice what has happened and feel less secure in their homes, too. That’s why it’s so important to think proactively about protecting your home through strategic measures. By taking steps to prevent vandalism and deter unwanted visitors, you discourage vandals from targeting your home and, therefore, can feel a lot safer and better protected in your property.

How can you better prevent vandalism and deter unauthorized access to your property? Here are some important tips to keep in mind:

• Use lights — and blinds - Exterior lights make your property viewable to passers-by, which is less desirable for a vandal than a dark and hidden area where he or she can work unseen. In addition to outside lights, keep lights on inside. Whether or not you’re at home, have the blinds closed so people can’t tell who’s inside.
• Get protective glass - To give your property better protection, use break- resistant glass in the windows and light fixtures. While vandals may still find a way in or around your property, they’ll at least have a harder time destroying windows or lights that give them the cover of darkness.
• Enclose your property - Fences have long been considered smart security features for properties, and with good reason. When a vandal has to climb over a fence to get into a home, it’s harder and less convenient for him or her. For the best protection, enclose your whole yard with security fencing. Another great idea is to plant thorn bushes or plants with rough, prickly leaves throughout your property to further deter unwanted access.
• Always be watching - One of the best parts of a security system is its ability to watch your home when you can’t. Get video cameras that can monitor activity around your property, and you let would-be vandals know you’re watching. Even better, if someone vandalizes your home, it will be much easier to catch him or her when you have video evidence.
• Get the community involved - Most likely, your neighbors are just as against vandalism as you are, so they’ll probably be willing to partner with you and others in the community to create better watch systems. Through creative community programs, you may be able to more effectively deter crime in the area.
• Know how to respond - If vandalism does occur, contact the police right away. Even if they can’t find the person who committed the crime, they’ll be able to track how often problems are occurring and know if more patrol is needed in the area. Likewise, clean up the evidence as soon as you can.

Graffiti artists like their work to be seen — so when you immediately remove it, you take away part of the appeal.

As scary as the threat of vandalism may be, you can take steps to prevent it from happening at your home. Thinking proactively about vandalism, theft or burglaries is the best way to protect your home and prevent damage to it.