The most crucial consideration when you come across trespassers is your personal safety. No matter your urge to confront trespassers, it is best to resort to law enforcement to handle the situation. According to the law, accessing another person’s property without permission may amount to trespass; however, the law is not as simple as it reads. This is why it is best to prevent trespassing in the first place. Below are some tips:
- Know your property
It is impossible to know if somebody is trespassing on your property when you do not know where your boundary line starts or ends. Therefore, it is advisable to take the time to go around and check your property. If you are physically capable, walk the borders to ensure they correspond to your legal description. Include frequent checks in your routine. You can also get appropriate assistance to thoroughly inspect your property.
- Keep supplies and valuables out of sight
Trespassers are attracted to your property for a reason. They either enter to steal or cause damage. Trespassing is common on construction sites since workers expose their tools and equipment after daily work. Use any available barriers such as banners to obscure your assets from view across the street. It will help to put your valuables out of sight and in secure areas.
- Post a sign
The traditional “No Trespassing” or “No Trespassers” sign does not necessarily stop someone from deliberately trespassing on private property, which is illegal. However, some state laws require trespassers to enter private properties knowingly or willfully for it to be considered a crime. And a sign is an efficient way to provide notice and deter people from trespassing. There are no exact words you should use, but the best practices include ensuring that all words are visible, accessible, and in a color that is easily readable. There is no better wording than a simple “Private property. No entry” sign to alert potential trespassers.
- Install some lighting
Strong, brilliant lights make it far more difficult for trespassers to sneak onto your property by making it easy to detect their movement and blow their cover. Therefore, inspect your property to locate areas that may attract or offer cover to trespassers. For instance, provide adequate lighting for your entry points and storage areas. A property with little or poor lighting may suggest it is empty and become easy prey to trespassers. Like you do your occupied home, provide proper lighting for your vacant properties to deter trespassers.
- Control access
Trespassing is a sad reality. Unfortunately, there is little you can do about it since people will go to extreme lengths when they are determined to access your property. However, you can take a few preventative steps to push the odds in your favor. For instance, fencing your property is a practical and legal way to mark and prevent unauthorized access. However, it is best to get your neighbor’s permission when choosing the fencing type and consult a fence installation expert to avoid any issues in the future. There are other physical barriers you can use, including plant barriers.
- Know your neighbors
Neighbors are useful for many things. They can occasionally offer assistance when you need to lend something, be a source of some fun and social activities and even offer carpooling opportunities. But what if you need a good neighbor who can keep a good watch over your property? Your neighbors live close to you and subconsciously learn your routine and habits. Therefore, they might be able to tell when something is not right. There is safety in numbers, so meet your neighbors, especially those closest to your property. This way, they will keep an eye out and prompt when they notice any unusual activity on your property. You can also do the same for them.
- Hire a monitoring company
Having some lighting and alarm systems on your property is good. However, these may do little to scare off individuals who deliberately wander on your property. Fortunately, you can find a monitoring company to track any movements or activity on your property and quickly alert the police. Properties protected by a professional security company are more secure than unguarded ones. And this is especially useful if you live far away from the land or property.
Trespassing is against the law, and law authorities will deal with offenders properly. However, you may be held responsible for what happens on your property even if the person illegally entered the facility. Consider the above tips to property yourself and your property.
