When you’re away from your home for an extended period of time, especially if you’re away during a time when kids are out of school, the first people to notice that you’re away probably won’t be your adult neighbors, but the kids and teenagers who walk around the neighborhood to pass the time. This can pose a problem while you’re away, especially if you have something tempting in your backyard, such as a pool or trampoline, as, even if you’re not home, you’re still responsible for any injuries that occur on your property. That’s why it’s so important to find ways to keep trespassing children off your property, not only when you’re out of town, but anytime you’re not home.
Make It Seem Like You’re Home
One of the best ways to prevent trespassing children who take advantage of your absence is to make it seem like you’re not absent at all. Especially if you’ll be away for a while, it’s important to make sure your lawn continues to be maintained, the mail is taken care of, and that you leave lights on in your home to create the illusion of occupancy. Most kids aren’t bold enough to trespass on someone else’s property if they think there’s a chance that person might be home, so give them reason to think twice about stepping onto your property.
Get a Fence Built
Eventually, no matter how well you conceal your absence, some of the neighborhood kids are going to figure out you’re away. That’s why you need a high-quality Mills Fence surrounding your property to discourage trespassers from making themselves at home. The fence should be tall—at least six feet—and be solid enough so that it’s hard to see what’s on the other side, even if someone is close to it. Additionally, any gates on the fence should be locked, both to discourage trespassers and aid in lessening any negligence claims should something bad happen.
Talk with Your Neighbors
They say it takes a village to raise a child, and it might just take a village to keep a child off your property, too. If you know the parents of the children you see around your neighborhood, and you know that they’re responsible and that you can trust them, it might be good to talk with them before you leave to ensure they keep an extra-close watch on their kids. Additionally, even if your neighbors don’t have kids themselves, talking with them and asking them to keep an eye on your place while you’re gone can go a long way in preventing bad things from happening.
Be a Friend
Sometimes, just being a friend to the kids in your neighborhood will do a lot to prevent trespassing. You don’t have to be their best buds, of course, but just taking a minute here and there to say hello or ask them about their day will go far in establishing a relationship of trust and respect. If you are truly genuine in your efforts, the kids you talk to on a regular basis can even help protect your property by discouraging their peers from doing something foolish on your property while you’re away. Of course, this won’t work with all kids, but in many situations this is an important part of ensuring a safe property.
Consider Your Options
If you’re a regular traveler, and your house will routinely be vacant, it might be wise to reconsider those items on your property that serve as temptations in the first place. To be sure, a pool or trampoline or hot tub are nice amenities to help you get the most out of your home, but if they’re going to become a liability, they might be worth a second look. Either way, you want to be sure to keep your property as safe as possible, both for your own liability interests, and for the safety of the children in your neighborhood.