Researchers associated with the Forest Service in Oregon found that criminals were less likely to target houses with mature, large street trees on the homeowners’ property. Houses without trees or those with smaller “view obstructing” trees were more likely to be crime targets. They speculated that larger trees seemed to indicate to criminals that the neighborhood and its properties were likely more secure. An obvious deterrent to break-ins is to plant thorny bushes around and below windows.
Growing Home - Crime Deterrent
