Most homeowners focus on locking doors and windows, but your yard might be sending an open invitation to thieves. Every year, around 19 out of 1,000 people become victims of property crime, and many break-ins start with something burglars spot outside your home. The items sitting in your yard right now could be making their job easier, and you probably don’t even realize it. From tools to toys, certain things catch a burglar’s eye faster than others, and knowing what they’re looking for can help you protect your property before it’s too late.
Ladders left outside make second-story entries simple
Think your second floor is safe from intruders? Think again. Many homeowners assume burglars won’t bother with upstairs windows, but that’s exactly what they’re counting on. When you leave a ladder propped against your garage or lying in your yard, you’re basically providing thieves with a direct route to those unlocked second-story windows. Most people don’t even think about securing upper-level entry points because they seem out of reach. But burglars actively look for ladders and other climbing aids during their pre-break-in surveillance.
The solution is surprisingly simple. Store your ladder in a locked garage or shed when you’re not using it. If you must keep it outside temporarily, secure it with a lock and chain to something immovable. Also, make sure all second-floor windows are closed and locked, even the small ones in bathrooms and basements. Window sensors connected to your home security system add another layer of protection. Remember that small windows are often overlooked but can still provide entry points for determined thieves.
Bikes and outdoor toys are quick cash grabs
Your kid’s bike sitting on the front lawn might seem harmless, but to a burglar, it’s low-hanging fruit. Children’s bikes, scooters, and other outdoor toys are easy to grab and surprisingly valuable on the resale market. A decent kids’ bike can sell for several hundred dollars used, and thieves know they can flip these items quickly through online marketplaces or pawn shops. The same goes for power wheels, trampolines with easy-to-remove parts, and expensive outdoor play equipment. These items don’t require breaking into your home, which means burglars face less risk when stealing them.
Keep outdoor toys and bikes out of sight when they’re not in use. A locked garage is ideal, but if you don’t have one, consider a storage shed with a good padlock. Privacy fencing also helps because keeping valuables hidden from street view reduces temptation. For bikes, invest in quality locks and secure them to something permanent like a bike rack bolted into concrete. If you have particularly expensive outdoor equipment, register serial numbers and take photos. This documentation helps police recover stolen items and can be useful for insurance claims.
Tools and equipment turn into instant payday
That expensive lawn mower, leaf blower, or power tool set you keep in your open garage or yard is exactly what thieves want. Professional-grade tools fetch high prices and are incredibly easy to sell without raising suspicion. A single high-quality lawnmower can cost over a thousand dollars, and power tool sets from brands like DeWalt or Milwaukee are worth even more. Burglars know that homeowners often leave these items unsecured because they’re bulky and seem too obvious to steal. But that’s precisely what makes them attractive targets for someone with a truck and a few minutes of opportunity.
Never leave tools or equipment visible from the street, even if you’re just taking a quick break from yard work. Lock your garage door every time you leave, even for short errands like picking up kids from school. If you don’t have a garage, invest in a heavy-duty storage shed with a quality lock. Consider security cameras positioned to monitor your yard and driveway. Motion-sensor cameras can alert you to activity around your property when you’re not home, and the visible presence of cameras often deters thieves from even attempting a theft.
Your parked car becomes a target without proper precautions
Cars parked in driveways aren’t just transportation, they’re also storage units for valuable items and potential theft targets themselves. Burglars routinely check vehicles for unlocked doors, looking for electronics, cash, garage door openers, and especially car keys. If they find your house keys or garage remote, they’ve just gained easy access to your entire home. Even if your car is locked, items visible through windows like laptops, purses, or shopping bags can tempt thieves to break the glass. Keyless entry cars present another risk because tech-savvy thieves can use signal amplifiers to unlock them without physical keys.
Always lock your vehicles, even when parked in your own driveway. Remove all valuables from plain sight, including the small stuff like spare change that might signal other items are hidden inside. Never leave your garage door opener in the car, and if you have keyless entry, store your key fob in a signal-blocking pouch or metal container inside your home. Park in well-lit areas when possible, and if you have a garage, use it. A car parked in the driveway during work hours can actually deter burglars by making your home appear occupied.
Dense shrubs and overgrown bushes provide perfect cover
That beautiful landscaping around your windows might be creating the perfect hiding spots for burglars to work undetected. Large, dense bushes and overgrown shrubs give thieves cover while they attempt to break in, making it harder for neighbors or passersby to notice suspicious activity. Burglars prefer homes where they can work without being seen, and thick vegetation near doors and windows provides exactly that. If someone can crouch behind your bushes while jimmying a window, your landscaping is working against your security rather than for it.
Trim bushes and shrubs near entry points so they stay below window height. Strategic landscaping means keeping sightlines clear while still maintaining curb appeal. Consider planting thorny bushes like roses near windows as a natural deterrent, since criminals avoid areas where they might get scratched or injured. Keep trees trimmed so branches don’t provide easy access to second-story windows or roofs. Also, maintain your lawn regularly, especially when you’re away, because an overgrown yard signals that nobody’s home and the house might be an easy target.
Packages on your porch announce your absence
Those Amazon boxes sitting on your porch for days tell burglars everything they need to know about your schedule. When packages pile up, it’s a clear sign nobody’s home to collect them. Even a single package sitting out overnight can indicate you’re away or have a predictable routine. Package theft has become so common that it has its own nickname: porch pirates. But beyond the immediate value of what’s inside the box, these visible deliveries signal to more serious criminals that your home might be unoccupied and vulnerable to a larger break-in.
Request signature confirmation for valuable deliveries or use package lockers and pickup locations instead of home delivery. Many shipping companies now offer hold-for-pickup options at nearby stores or secure locker systems. If you’re going out of town, pause deliveries or ask a trusted neighbor to collect packages immediately. Video doorbells can alert you when packages arrive and provide evidence if theft occurs. Some people also place large packages in less visible locations with delivery instructions, though this only works if your delivery person actually reads the notes.
Empty driveways during work hours signal opportunity
Burglars pay attention to your daily patterns, and an empty driveway during typical work hours tells them exactly when to strike. Most break-ins happen during daytime hours, with peak times at 8-9 a.m., 12-1 p.m., and 5-6 p.m., when people are typically away at work or running errands. If your driveway sits empty every day from 9 to 5, criminals watching your neighborhood will notice. They’ll also note if you have a predictable schedule, like leaving at the same time every morning to take kids to school or heading out for your regular gym session.
If possible, keep a car parked in your driveway even when you’re not home. Some families with multiple vehicles specifically use this strategy, keeping an older car visible while taking the newer one to work. Vary your schedule when you can, and use smart home technology to create the illusion of occupancy. Lights on timers, smart plugs that turn devices on and off, and even a television or radio set to activate during the day can make it seem like someone’s home. The goal is to make your house look occupied and unpredictable.
Visible security weaknesses invite closer inspection
Burglars watch homes before breaking in, and they’re specifically looking for signs of weak security. No security system signs, poor lighting, no visible cameras, and easily accessible entry points all signal an easy target. They’ll walk or drive by multiple times, noting when people come and go, whether you have an alarm system, if there’s a dog, and how visible your property is to neighbors. Houses that look unprotected or where homeowners seem careless about security get prioritized. Even small details matter, like whether your doors look sturdy or if window locks appear flimsy.
Install visible security system signs and decals, even if you’re still deciding on a full system. Studies show that 60% of burglars are deterred by alarm systems, and many won’t even bother with a house that displays security company signs. Add motion-sensor lights around entry points and dark corners of your property. These lights should be bright enough to illuminate someone clearly and positioned where they can’t easily be disabled. Security cameras, especially visible ones with night vision capabilities, add another deterrent layer. Even budget-friendly options can be effective if they’re noticeable.
Trash and recycling reveal your valuable purchases
That big-screen TV box you left by the curb on trash day just advertised your recent purchase to every thief in the neighborhood. Burglars often cruise streets on garbage collection days, looking for boxes from expensive electronics, appliances, and other high-value items. When they see packaging from a new laptop, gaming console, or sound system, they know exactly what’s inside your home. Recycling bins filled with wine bottles might indicate you’re away on vacation, while piles of mail visible through recycling can provide personal information useful for planning a break-in.
Break down boxes completely and place them inside garbage bags or bins so the labeling isn’t visible from the street. For particularly large boxes from expensive items, cut them up and dispose of them gradually over several trash days rather than all at once. Consider taking boxes to a recycling center yourself instead of leaving them curbside. If you’re going on vacation, ask a neighbor to bring in your trash cans and recycling bins after collection, since cans left at the curb for days signal an empty home just as clearly as piled-up newspapers once did.
Your yard contains more information about your home, habits, and valuables than you probably realize. Simple changes like storing ladders, locking vehicles, trimming bushes, and hiding expensive equipment can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a burglary victim. The average loss from home burglaries has climbed to $7,815 in stolen property, not counting the emotional toll and sense of violation that comes with having your home invaded. Taking these preventive steps costs far less than replacing stolen items or repairing damage from a break-in.
