Sure, any Houston fence company can claim that fences make you safer. But what do criminologists say?
It turns out criminologists track a fascinating statistic: the 300% rule.
What is the 300% rule?
The 300% rule is a widely-cited benchmark in security circles. The 300% rule suggests that a home equipped with a sturdy fence, visible alarm signage, and motion-activated lighting is roughly 300% less likely to be targeted by an intruder than a home with no security measures whatsoever.
Essentially, you are hardening the target. By adding multiple layers of friction, you force a criminal to perform a cost-benefit analysis. Most opportunistic burglars aren’t looking for a challenge. They’re looking for a soft target and a quick getaway. A fence says: “entry and exit are now that much harder to pull off.”
What type of fence is best for crime prevention?
Criminologists usually prefer ornamental iron or picket fences.
These fences are tougher to climb and gates are easier to secure. If the thief actually makes it into your yard, neighbors and passersby can easily see they’re lurking in you’re yard.
By contrast, the type of fence many Houston residents favor, the privacy fence, can be less effective as a security measure. They’re great if you’re home all the time, but if you’re not they can provide cover for a thief as soon as that thief gets over the top.
What about low fences? While you might not think they’d make a difference, they actually can offer a symbolic, psychological barrier that deters crime at the subconscious level. This is because they define a private zone. Thieves steer clear, and if they don’t, neighbors can easily see they’re out of place.
How do automated gates impact neighborhood safety?
An automated driveway gate adds a significant layer of access control to your property. Gates that require codes or remotes do more than stop cars. They create psychological stop signs for thieves.
According to a study on defensible space, properties with clear boundaries and controlled access points foster a sense of “proprietary pride” in homeowners. Criminals know this. Seeing an automated gate makes them assume an owner is attentive, increasing their perceived risk of getting caught.
Is a fence really enough to stop a determined intruder?
No security measure is perfect. If the intrusion is targeted or personal then yes, eventually given enough time and privacy a criminal will probably find a way around it.
However, target hardening measures like secure barriers can reduce burglary rates by 26% across entire communities.
Security is like an onion: your fence is the outer skin. You get even better security by combining it with tech like automated gates and smart lighting.
Ready to make your property as safe and secure as possible?
Beautify your property and make it safer by getting a free quote on an automated gate and custom fence installation today. We’ll be happy to make recommendations, as well as to create the fence that makes you and your family feel safe and secure.