Holiday Crime Prevention Through Lighting
Ventura County Sheriff's Department
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

In reflection of a course I had taken on using lighting to prevent crime, I recalled that Placing a spot- or floodlight at the edge of your flowerbed pointing toward your house will illuminate the side of your house facing the light. If anyone walks between the house and this light source, it will create a huge shadow on the house.

What this means is, if you use lighting in this manner, anyone walking between the light source and the building will cast a huge shadow on the building. In general, criminals try to avoid brightly lighted spaces, and gigantic shadows of a moving object would be visible to anyone in the area.

When planning your home improvements this coming spring, consider adding a flood- or spotlight to your yard. Don’t forget the Holidays. This use of lighting can easily be implemented in holiday colors adding that extra security to your home and festive flare over the holiday season.

Many homeowners use low-voltage lights, which are sold in kits. If you purchase one that contains a flood- or spotlight, you will see the same effect although it may not be as bright. Try placing the lights in various positions to find the one that works best to protect you and your property while showing your celebration of the season.

Location: City of Moorpark
Date & Time: Monday, December 20, 2011 @ 9:45 AM
Unit Responsible: Moorpark Police Crime Prevention Unit
Deputy Preparing Media Release: Bob Berger
Media Release Date: Monday, December 12, 2011
Follow-Up Contact: Senior Deputy Bob Berger 805-532-2707
Approved by: Captain Ron Nelson