Woman walking between cars and garage at night… what should I do?

We recently moved into a new house and put up a security camera. Every night between 11pm and 1am, we notice a woman walking really close to our house and our neighbors’ houses. She passes through the space between the cars and garage doors. It’s strange because there’s a sidewalk and the road with better lighting and more safety. She doesn’t carry a flashlight and looks to be around her 60s, walking quickly.

I feel like walking so close to houses at night, especially for an older woman, doesn’t seem safe. It’s odd behavior. What can I do about it?

A couple of really bright motion detector lights would probably make her change her route!

Put up some ‘No Trespassing’ signs and maybe a motion-activated sprinkler.

She could be scouting for stuff to steal, so don’t leave anything out in the open. Or maybe she just has a weird habit and walks the same route every night. Make sure you have a camera on your garage too. You could wait by the car one night and ask her why she’s doing it.

As an older woman walking alone, she might feel safer walking between houses rather than on the lit sidewalk where anyone can see her.

Michelle said:
As an older woman walking alone, she might feel safer walking between houses rather than on the lit sidewalk where anyone can see her.

Being closer to houses means she could knock on a door if she felt unsafe.

@Tyra
Or get grabbed by someone dangerous and pulled inside. Not exactly safe either.

A motion detection light would be a great idea. Second option: scare her, haha.

If I were you, I’d just sit on the porch one night and watch what she does or ask her directly.

Maybe she’s had some bad experiences near the street, like harassment or run-ins with careless drivers. The route she’s taking might feel much safer for her. Since she’s moving quickly, I’d probably just let her be.

What’s the problem here?

Dallas122 said:
What’s the problem here?

She might be looking for easy stuff to steal.

Maybe ask her directly, or ask the police to check it out. She might just be scouting, but she could also just like taking an unusual route.

Are you in a sketchy neighborhood?

Noelle said:
Maybe ask her directly, or ask the police to check it out. She might just be scouting, but she could also just like taking an unusual route.

Are you in a sketchy neighborhood?

This is the best advice.

Put up a cheap fence, even just a string with some posts. Make it a hassle for her to use your lawn.