Do privacy fences help stop thieves or make them more interested in breaking in? If I were a thief, I wouldn’t want to deal with climbing a 6ft fence when there are easier houses to target. Seems like too much work if you’re in a hurry.
You can always put something on top of the fence to make it harder to climb, like spikes or plants with thorns.
StephieStephie said:
You can always put something on top of the fence to make it harder to climb, like spikes or plants with thorns.
I’m planning to add something on top, mostly to keep my cat from jumping over but also to make it look better.
Yes, a fence helps. Thieves usually go for easy targets. A 4ft fence is easier to climb than a 6ft one. If they really want in, they’ll find a way, but anything that makes it harder might make them pick another house. I also block the view of anything valuable from the alley and keep things locked up so they can’t use them to climb. Cameras and motion lights help too.
@Wade
I don’t keep anything outside except security equipment. No plants, nothing.
Emmanuel said:
@Wade
I don’t keep anything outside except security equipment. No plants, nothing.
I keep nothing in the front except an old garden hose. They steal everything around here. The back is fenced and covered up, but anything I leave out is locked up—lawnmower, ladder, all chained up and hidden.
@Wade
So they don’t try to get into your backyard?
Emmanuel said:
@Wade
So they don’t try to get into your backyard?
They could, but most of the time they go for easier spots. Here, the city only allows a 4ft fence in the front, but side fences can go up to 6ft. They look for houses with weak entry points—no security bars, easy-to-kick-in doors, stuff like that.
@Wade
That makes sense. I’d rather they try the front door than the back for reasons I won’t get into.
I think a fence helps, but it depends on a lot of things like where you live, what the fence looks like, and how it’s installed.
Leeland said:
I think a fence helps, but it depends on a lot of things like where you live, what the fence looks like, and how it’s installed.
So you think it makes a difference? I do have other security measures too.
@Emmanuel
Yes, but it depends on the type of fence and how it’s set up. I used to think fences weren’t needed, but after dealing with trespassers, I changed my mind. A fence stops casual trespassers and low-level criminals. The more experienced ones won’t be stopped by much, but they prefer easier targets.
@Leeland
Neighbors here don’t really talk to each other, but they’ll help if needed. It’s not the worst area, but there are some people who cause problems. My main goal is to stop people from using my yard as a shortcut in the summer.
@Emmanuel
Then a fence is a good idea. Set it right on the property line with a little space to maintain it. Make sure to check your property boundaries first.
Leeland said:
@Emmanuel
Then a fence is a good idea. Set it right on the property line with a little space to maintain it. Make sure to check your property boundaries first.
I’m fencing the back and side yard since the lot next to me is empty. I’ll check if there’s a boundary file first since surveys are expensive.
@Emmanuel
At the very least, get a surveyor to mark your boundaries. It’s cheaper than a full survey and avoids future problems.
Leeland said:
@Emmanuel
At the very least, get a surveyor to mark your boundaries. It’s cheaper than a full survey and avoids future problems.
Is there a difference between the two?
@Emmanuel
Yes. A full survey is a legal document proving your property lines. The surveyor maps everything, including your house and driveway, and records it officially. A boundary stakeout is cheaper—they just mark the corners for you, so you can put up a fence without worrying about disputes.
@Leeland
That’s really useful to know. Thanks.