There is a huge variety of fencing to choose from and let’s face it most people select a fence based on the way it will look around your yard and not for security. Cost is also a big factor since the cost of the materials as well as labor has gone up in recent years. Security that fencing is usually pretty far down the list. This particular fence will not stop thieves, but will make it uncomfortable to climb over. Most are looking for an easy score, so the more difficult you make it for them the less likely they will pick your place.
However anything that makes it difficult for a would be burglar to gain access to your property is a deterrent and if he goes elsewhere because of the fence then it has done it’s job.
Fences that are difficult to jump over because they are high or have spikes at the top are often better than short fences. Let’s face it if someone really wants to get into your yard over your fence, there are multiple ways to do that. Still most burglars are really opportunists and will choose a fence that is easy to get through or over vs. one that is difficult. They will also try the gate first and if they can get in that way vs. going over the fence they will. See our comments about gates later in this post.
This is one of the biggest deterrents you can have as part of your overall security program for your home. When building a fence that looks good, also build a burglar deterrent fence. One that will persuade burglars to go else where. You can achieve both pretty easily and without spending a fortune as well.
Low Fencing as Burglar Deterrent Fencing
The picture on the left is an example of a low fence. As you can see would be relatively easy to 
jump over and gain access to your yard. It might keep dogs out and small children. But will not keep anyone out who really wants to get in.
In fact it is pretty easy. This fence looks nice and might create the right decorative atmosphere that you are looking for, but will not deter burglars. It is a basic residential fence that you see around many back yards in homes all across North America.
High Fencing as a Burglar Deterrent
High fencing on the other hand is much more difficult to get over. It has standard five foot boards with a one foot lattice on the top. This makes it at least 6 feet above the ground.
Can someone pull themselves over the fence? Yes they can but it is much more difficult compared to the first picture we showed you.
The next step of course is to install a spike at the top to add another level of difficulty.
Gates need to be locked and latched and not easy to open for a burglar. There is no to spend money money on a high fence if you make it easy to open the gate. Pull though chords are helpful to you and the burglar. Make your gate so that they cannot get through the gate unless you leave it unlocked!
Of course this is our last point. If you are supposed to keep your gate locked all of the time, make it part of your evening routine. Make sure gate is properly closed and securely locked. Do this before you retire for the evening or leave for the day or go on a trip.
Stay safe, comments welcome
August 10th, 2012 on 12:34 am
thanks for the tips, it makes so much sense to build a higher fence to keep the burglars who are looking for the easy score. On the other hand if they really want to get in, a fence is not going to stop them and once over the fence, no one from the street can see them.