Burglary protection through environmental design

Published on March 24, 2025

With spring fast approaching, you may be thinking of spring and summer travel plans. The Menlo Park Police Department encourages its community to do their part to establish a safe and secure environment at home. Maintaining your property by keeping lawns mowed, hedges trimmed and your home in good repair is the first step for burglary protection. Crime decreases if the opportunity to commit crime is reduced or eliminated.

Here are some easy steps you can take to protect your home from being burglarized while you are away:

• Install security alarms in your home and always turn them on when leaving your home.

• Lock all doors and windows before leaving your home.
• Install motion sensor outdoor lights and make sure your entryway is well-lit. Criminals do not like to be seen. 
• Keep your landscaping neat to allow visibility, consider planting thorny plants under first floor windows to deter entrance or climbing.

• Control access points –– properly located fencing and parked cars can discourage crime.

• Keep valuables out of sight, including packaging from expensive purchases in your trash or recycling bins.

• Avoid leaving keys under doormats, flowerpots or “secret” hiding places. Burglars are experts in finding these hidden keys.

• Do not tempt a thief by leaving lawn mowers, grills or bicycles easily accessible. This includes locking your garden sheds for extra security.

• Let your neighbors know that you will be gone so they can keep an eye out for suspicious activity.


Find more crime prevention through environmental design tips on our Crime Safety and Prevention page.