Burglary Prevention Advice

Home Security

Burglary Prevention Advice

Is your home really safe once you leave for work or school? Your home is considered a sanctuary where you should feel safe. Your home is the only environment where you have control over who can get close to you or your family. Protecting your home and family from criminal intrusion should be high on your list of priorities.

Home Burglary

By far, the most common threat to our home is burglary. According to the FBI, a burglary occurs somewhere in the United States every 15.4 seconds. By definition, the crime of burglary is a non-confrontational property crime that occurs when we are not at home. However, becoming a burglary victim can leave a family feeling vulnerable and violated. To avoid becoming a burglary victim, it is important to first gain an understanding of who commits them and why.

The majority of home and apartment burglaries occur during the daytime when most people are away at work or school. The summer months of July and August have the most burglaries with February having the fewest crimes. Burglaries are committed most often by young males under 25 years of age looking for items that are small, expensive, and can easily be converted to cash. Favorite items are cash, jewelry, guns, watches, laptop computers, VCRs, video players, CDs and other small electronic devices are high on the list. Quick cash is needed for living expenses and drugs. Statistics tell us that 70% of the burglars use some amount force to enter a dwelling, but their preference is to gain easy access through an open door or window. Ordinary household tools like screwdrivers, channel-lock pliers, small pry bars, and small hammers are most often used by burglars. Burglars continue to flourish because police can only clear about 13% of all reported burglaries and rarely catch the thief in the act.

Although home burglaries may seem random in occurrence, they actually involve a selection process. The burglar’s selection process is simple. Choose an unoccupied home with the easiest access, the greatest amount of cover, and with the best escape routes. What follows is a list of suggestions to minimize your risk by making your home unattractive to potential burglars.

Doors and Locks

The first step is to harden the target or make your home more difficult to enter. Remember, the burglar will simply bypass your home if it requires too much effort or requires more skill and tools than they possess. Most burglars enter via the front, back, or garage doors. Experienced burglars know that the garage door is usually the weakest point of entry followed by the back door. The garage and back doors also provide the most cover. Burglars know to look inside your car for keys and other valuables so keep it locked, even when parked inside your garage. Use high quality Grade-1 or Grade-2 locks on exterior doors to resist twisting, prying, and lock-picking attempts. A quality deadbolt lock will have a beveled casing to inhibit the use of channel-lock pliers used to shear off lock cylinder pins. A quality door knob-in-lock set will have a ‘dead latch’ mechanism to prevent slipping the lock with a shim or credit card.

• Use a solid core or metal door for all entrance points
• Use a quality, heavy-duty, deadbolt lock with a one-inch throw bolt
• Use a quality, heavy-duty, knob-in-lock set with a dead-latch mechanism
• Use a heavy-duty, four-screw, strike plate with 3-inch screws to penetrate into a wooden door frame
• Use a wide-angle 160° peephole mounted no higher than 58 inches

The most common way used to force entry through a door with a wooden jamb is to simply kick it open. The weakest point is almost always the lock strike plate that holds the latch or lock bolt in place followed by a glass paneled door. The average door strike plate is secured only by the soft-wood doorjamb molding. These lightweight moldings are often tacked on to the door frame and can be torn away with a firm kick. Because of this construction flaw, it makes sense to upgrade to a four-screw, heavy-duty, high security strike plate. They are available in most quality hardware stores and home improvement centers and are definitely worth the extra expense. Install this heavy-duty strike plate using 3-inch wood screws to cut deep into the door frame stud. Use these longer screws in the knob lock strike plate as well and use at least one long screw in each door hinge. This one step alone will deter or prevent most through-the-door forced entries. You and your family will sleep safer in the future.

Sliding-Glass Patio Doors

Sliding glass doors are secured by latches not locks. They are vulnerable to being forced open from the outside because of these inherently defective latch mechanisms. This can be easily be prevented by inserting a wooden dowel or stick into the track thus preventing or limiting movement. Other blocking devices available are metal fold-down blocking devices called “charley bars” and various track-blockers that can be screwed down.

The blocking devices described above solve half the equation. Older sliding glass doors can be lifted up and off their track and thereby defeat the latch mechanism. To prevent lifting, you need to keep the door rollers in good condition and properly adjusted. You can also install anti-lift devices such as a pin that extends through both the sliding and fixed portion of the door. There are also numerous locking and blocking devices available in any good quality hardware store that will prevent a sliding door from being lifted or forced horizontally. Place highly visible decals on the glass door near the latch mechanism that indicates that an alarm system, a dog, or block watch/operation identification is in place. Burglars dislike alarm systems and definitely big barking dogs.

• Use a secondary blocking device on all sliding glass doors
• Keep the latch mechanism in good condition and properly adjusted
• Keep sliding door rollers in good condition and properly adjusted
• Use anti-lift devices such as through-the-door pins or upper track screws
• Use highly visible alarm decals, beware of dog decals or block watch decal

Windows

Windows are left unlocked and open at a much higher rate than doors. An open window, visible from the street or alley, may be the sole reason for your home to be selected by a burglar. Ground floor windows are more susceptible to break-ins for obvious reasons. Upper floor windows become attractive if they can be accessed from a stairway, tree, fence, or by climbing on balconies. Windows have latches, not locks and therefore should have secondary blocking devices to prevent sliding them open from the outside. Inexpensive wooden dowels and sticks work well for horizontal sliding windows and through-the-frame pins work well for vertical sliding windows. For ventilation, block the window open no more than six inches and make sure you can’t reach in from the outside and remove the blocking device or reach through and unlock the door.

In sleeping rooms, these window blocking devices should be capable of being removed easily from the inside to comply with fire codes. Like sliding glass doors, anti-lift devices are necessary for ground level and accessible aluminum windows that slide horizontally. The least expensive and easiest method is to install screws half-way into the upper track of the movable glass panel to prevent it from being lifted out in the closed position. As a deterrent, place highly visible decals on the glass door near the latch mechanism that indicates that an alarm system, a dog, or block watch/operation identification system is in place.

• Secure all accessible windows with secondary blocking devices
• Block accessible windows open no more than 6 inches for ventilation
• Make sure someone cannot reach through an open window and unlock the door
• Make sure someone cannot reach inside the window and remove the blocking device
• Use anti-lift devices to prevent window from being lifted out
• Use crime prevention or alarm decals on ground accessible windows

Be a Good Neighbor

Good neighbors should look out for each other. Get to know your neighbors on each side of your home and the three directly across the street. Invite them into your home, communicate often, and establish trust. Good neighbors will watch out for your home or apartment when you are away, if you ask them. They can report suspicious activity to the police or to you while you are away. Between them, good neighbors can see to it that normal services continue in your absence by allowing vendors to mow your lawn or remove snow. Good neighbors can pick up your mail, newspapers, handbills, and can inspect the outside or inside of your home periodically to see that all is well. Good neighbors will occasionally park in your driveway to give the appearance of occupancy while you are on vacation.

Allowing a neighbor to have a key solves the problem of hiding a key outside the door. Experienced burglars know to look for hidden keys in planter boxes, under doormats, and above the ledge. Requiring a service vendor to see your neighbor to retrieve and return your house key will send the message that someone is watching. This neighborhood watch technique sets up what is called territoriality which means that your neighbors will take ownership and responsibility for what occurs in your mini-neighborhood. This concept works in both single family homes communities and on apartment properties. This practice helps deter burglaries and other crimes in a big way. Of course for this to work, you must reciprocate and offer the same services.

• Get to know all your adjacent neighbors
• Invite them into your home and establish trust
• Agree to watch out for each other’s home
• Do small tasks for each other to improve territoriality
• While on vacation – pick up newspapers, and flyers
• Offer to occasionally park your car in their driveway
• Return the favor and communicate often

Lighting

Interior lighting is necessary to show signs of life and activity inside a residence at night. A darken home night-after-night sends the message to burglars that you are away on a trip. Light timers are inexpensive and can be found everywhere. They should be used on a daily basis, not just when you’re away. In this way you set up a routine that your neighbors can observe and will allow them to become suspicious when your normally lighted home becomes dark. Typically, you want to use light-timers near the front and back windows with the curtains closed. The pattern of lights turning on and off should simulate actual occupancy. It’s also comforting not to have to enter a dark residence when you return home. The same light timers can be used to turn on radios or television sets to further enhance the illusion of occupancy.

Exterior lighting is also very important. It becomes critical if you must park in a common area parking lot or underground garage and need to walk to your front door. The purpose of good lighting is to allow you to see if a threat or suspicious person is lurking in your path. If you can see a potential threat in advance then you at least have the choice and chance to avoid it. Exterior lighting needs to bright enough for you to see 100-feet and it helps if you can identify colors. Good lighting is definitely a deterrent to criminals because they don’t want to be seen or identified.

Another important area to be well-lighted is the perimeter of your home or apartment especially at the entryway. Exterior lighting on the front of a property should always be on a timer to establish a routine and appearance of occupancy at all times. Common area lighting on apartment properties should also be on a timer or photo-cell to turn on at dusk and turn off at dawn. The practice of leaving the garage or porch lights turned on all day on a single family home is a dead giveaway that you are out of town. Exterior lighting at the rear of a home or apartment are usually on a switch because of the proximity to the sleeping rooms. The resident can choose to leave these lights on or off. Security lights with infra-red motion sensors are relatively inexpensive and can easily replace an exterior porch light or side door light on single family homes. The heat-motion sensor can be adjusted to detect body heat and can be programmed to reset after one minute. These security lights are highly recommended for single family homes.

• Use interior light timers to establish a pattern of occupancy
• Exterior lighting should allow 100- feet of visibility
• Use good lighting along the pathway and at your door
• Use light timers or photo-cells to turn on/off lights automatically
• Use infra-red motion sensor lights on the rear of single family homes

Alarm Systems

Alarm systems definitely have a place in a home security plan and are effective, if used properly. The reason why alarms systems deter burglaries is because they increase the potential and fear of being caught and arrested by the police. The deterrent value comes from the alarm company lawn sign and from the alarm decals on the windows. Home and apartment burglars will usually bypass a property with visible alarm signs and will go to another property without such a sign. Some people, with alarm systems, feel that these signs and decals are unsightly and will not display them. The risk here is that an uninformed burglar might break a window or door and grab a few quick items before the police can respond. Also, don’t write your alarm passcode on or near the alarm keypad.

Alarm systems need to be properly installed and maintained. Alarms systems can monitor for fire as well as burglary for the same price. All systems should have an audible horn or bell to be effective in case someone does break in. However, these audible alarms should be programmed to reset automatically after one or two minutes. The criminal got the message and will be long gone but your neighbors will have to listen to the alarm bell, sometimes for hours, until it is shut off. If you use a central station to monitor your alarm, make sure your response call list is up to date. Home alarms, like car alarms, are generally ignored except for a brief glance. However, if you have established and nurtured your neighborhood watch buddy system, you will experience a genuine concern by your neighbor. It is not unusual to have a neighbor wait for the police, allow them inside for an inspection, and secure the residence. A good neighbor can also call the glass company or locksmith to repair any damage, if pre-authorized by you.

The greatest barrier getting to this level of neighborhood participation is taking the first step. You can get help by calling your local crime prevention unit at the police department. Most police departments in large cities have neighborhood watch coordinators to help you set this up. You should invite your adjacent neighbors over to your home for coffee and begin the information exchange. You’ll be amazed how the process runs on automatic from there.

• Alarm systems are effective deterrents with visible signage
• Alarm systems to be properly installed, programmed, and maintained
• Alarm systems need to have an audible horn or bell to be effective
• Make sure your alarm response call list is up to date
• Instruct your neighbor how to respond to an alarm bell

Home Safes

Since the prices of good home safes are falling, having a safe in your home is a wise investment. Home safes are designed to keep the smash and grab burglar, nosey kids, dishonest babysitter or housekeeper from gaining access to important documents and personal property. Home safes need to be anchored into the floor or permanent shelving.

• Use the safe everyday so it becomes routine
• Protect the safe code and change it occasionally
• Install it away from the master bedroom or closet

Operation Identification

This is a program supported by most police agencies. They recommend that you engrave your drivers’ license, not your social security number, on televisions, stereos, computers, and small electronic appliances. They suggest this so they can identify and locate you if your stolen items are recovered. I suggest that you go way beyond this step

I recommend that you photograph your valuables in their locations around your home and make a list of the make, model, and serial numbers. This is very important for proof when filing insurance claims. You should keep this list in a safety deposit box or with a relative for safe keeping. Keep receipts of the larger items in case you need to prove the value of the items for insurance purposes. Beyond that, I recommend that you photocopy important documents and the contents of your wallet. You will be thankful that you took these steps in case your home is ever destroyed by fire or flood, is ransacked, or if your wallet is lost or stolen.

• Identify your valuables by engraving your drivers’ license number
• Photograph and record the serial numbers of all valuables
• Photocopy the contents of your wallet and other documents
• Store the copies in a safe deposit box or with a relative

Home Security and Safety Tips

Here are some basic home security and safety tips:

1. If you are going to be away from your home for an extended amount of time, take steps to make it seem like people are still home. Have a friend stop by every now and then. Have lights on at night, and motion detectors on.
2. Don’t leave notes for friends/service people on your front door when you leave. This broadcasts that you’re not home.
3. Keep your garage doors shut at all times.
4. Make sure that all of your exterior doors have quality locks. Deadbolts are a must.
5. When you’re out of town, turn the volume on your home phone to the lowest setting. If a potential burglar consistently hears your phone ring and ring, they will know you’re not home.
6. If you hear a knock at the door, always check before answering.
7. Keep your valuables (cash, jewelry, etc.) in a safe (if at home) or a safety deposit box. Don’t leave these items lying around the house.
8. Keep your blinds/drapes shut, particularly in the rooms where you have expensive items like workout sets, flats-screen TVs, etc.
9. Don’t leave spare keys hidden outside your home. They are always too easy to find. Figure out another way.
10. Add another layer of home security to your sliding doors by putting a pipe or piece of wood along the bottom track.

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Home Security Statistics

It’s one thing to be the victim of a home burglar or other property crime when you’ve taken measures to protect against such things. It’s an entirely different thing to become a home burglary statistic when you’ve done absolutely nothing to protect your house, your property, and your family. Here are some crime statistics from across the country, provided by the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Hopefully they’ll get your attention.

More than 66% of all property crimes in the United States take place in or near the home of the household members. This means your home is a very likely target if anyone in your area is casing houses and property to commit a burglary. Why? There are a few primary reasons. First, you have more items of value in your house than you do in your car, your garage, your storage shed, etc. Burglars go where there are things worth stealing. Second, homeowners leave all of those valuables – things like flat-screen televisions, computers, cash, jewelry – horribly unprotected, erroneously thinking that they will never be the victim of a home invasion.

Statistically, you’re playing with fire if you don’t take some measures to protect your home. Last year US households suffered more than 16.3 million property crimes. The Bureau of Justice Statistics estimates, sadly, that just over 55% of all household burglaries aren’t even reported to the police. This means the real number could be over 30 million property crimes.

We also know, thanks to a study done by Temple University, that homes without a home security system installed are as much as 3 times as likely to be burglarized compared to a home with a professionally installed home security system. What this means is burglars are looking for easy targets. They want to be in and out in a handful of minutes, and if that can’t be accomplished because a home security system is getting in their way, they’ll move on to an easier target.

Every 14.6 seconds a burglar occurs in the United States. If that’s not bad enough, the average reported loss is estimated to be in excess of $2,000. Can you really afford to replace two thousand dollars worth of stolen items such as computers, or HD televisions, or expensive cameras, or even cash? That’s a large enough amount of money to at least have me on my way to the hardware store to buy some brand new deadbolt locks!

If you do nothing about home security, it’s only a matter of time before you and your family become a crime statistics that could have been avoided. Have a monitored ADT home security system professionally installed in your home and get the 24-hour-per-day protection you and your family deserve.

Protect your Property with a Burglar Alarm System!

We hear a lot about the effects of stress on our bodies and minds. Too much
stress has been shown to truly reduce one’s quality of life. Due to this, people
all over the country are taking measures to relieve some of that stress whenever
and wherever it is possible. One of the biggest stresses that anyone can feel is
that of worry over the well being of a loved one. Many homeowners today are
finding that installing a burglar alarm is one way to feel more secure at home,
as well as gain peace of mind while they are away.

Burglar Alarm Setup
Every good burglar alarm system will contain a
few indispensable components. The first is a sensor that can tell when a door or
window is being opened. The second is an alarm monitoring system that will alert
authorities when a break in occurs. Last, but not least, is a control box to arm
and disarm the burglar alarm if it is tripped accidentally. While there are
certainly extras such as security cameras and motion sensors, these are the
basic components of nearly every burglar alarm system on the market.

Alarm System Monitoring
When you purchase a burglar alarm, the real
peace of mind comes not from a loud noise that goes off if the house is entered,
but the knowledge that, no matter where you might be, there is someone watching
out over your property. Alarm system monitoring is a 24-hour/7 day a week job.
No matter the time of day, day of the week, or season of the year, your alarm
system monitoring service will be there to make sure the entry to your home is
restricted to only you, your family, and your invited guests.

Burglar Alarm System Pricing
Though they can get expensive, a basic
burglar alarm system is probably available in the price range of most
households. The least costly alarm system will be sure to cover the doors of
your house, which are where the majority of intruders enter. Higher-end burglar
alarms will put sensors on every door and window, and can have many other
features. Some systems (not unlike many cell phone packages) will actually be
very inexpensive, or even free, when you sign up for a given number of months of
alarm system monitoring.

Read more: http://www.bluelightsecurityinc.com/adt_burglary_protection.php

Advantages of Wireless Security Cameras

Advantages of Wireless Security Cameras
The big advantage of wireless security cameras is they can be placed essentially anywhere you want
and need them. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Not only
does the wireless design forego the need to drill a trench in your yard or add
electrical wiring in your home, the versatility of installation increases your
options for hidden security camera systems. While visible security cameras can
act as a warning to burglars, if a burglar can see the camera he can probably
also avoid and/or disable it. The one notable drawback to wireless security
cameras is that their batteries must be recharged/replaced every 4 to 8 hours.
More expensive models may have designs that accommodate more powerful batteries.

Read more: http://www.bluelightsecurityinc.com/index.php

Home Security Devices

With rising crime rates come greater security concerns, and nothing helps
protect you and yours like installing a number of home security devices in your
home. Electronic alarms, barrier bars, and motion detectors are just a few of
the home security options available to you to choose from. Home security devices
are excellent security investments because they perform the dual duty of
deterring intruders and alerting you to the unwanted presence of an uninvited
guest in your home.

Electronic Security Systems
Electronic security systems are probably the most effective of all the home security devices you can install in
your home. In fact, many convicted burglars admit that if a home is protected by
an electronic security system, they will move on and choose another target.
Electronic security systems usually include a whole house system that is wired
into a central panel. That central panel will detect any break-ins, be it
through doors or windows, as well as the presence of intruders inside the home
using motion detectors, after which several things happen. First of all, a loud
alarm sounds to alert you to the intruder and to warn him that his presence is
known. Secondly, your electronic system will then contact your security
provider, who will either send out a security professional of their own, or call
the proper authorities, to come secure the residence. For the ultimate in
security, you can’t beat an electronic security system.

Read more: http://www.bluelightsecurityinc.com/adt_monitoring.php

Wireless Security System Options

Wireless Security Cameras: Security cameras are a popular element of
any home security system and for good reason. Along with security surveillance,
you can also keep tabs on your children as they move and play throughout your
home and yard. As effective as cameras are, to truly protect your home from
burglars, you’ll probably want to use them in combination with another security
device.

Wireless Alarms: Wireless alarms are the most common home security
devices used. Some homeowners are annoyed or lulled into a false sense of
security, however, when an alarm goes off unnecessarily. Try to find an alarm
that is easy to operate, isn’t set off by a neighborhood cat or a strong wind,
but will still provide your home security if an intruder does invade your home.

Wireless Motion Detectors: Motion detectors provide an extra layer of
warning and deterrent to would be burglars, but also keep your home well-lit
without expending a ton of extra energy to keep exterior lights on all evening.
They can be designed to trigger an alarm or other warning, driveway or walkway
task lighting, or some combination of the two. Even if you decide to keep your
motion detector separate from an alarm system, many burglars are less likely to
rob your home if they know they can be more easily spotted by neighbors.

Read more: http://www.bluelightsecurityinc.com/adt_equipment.php

Burglary Prevention – Home Security System

A Monitored Home Security System That Gives You Peace of Mind

Monitored home security systems provide the ultimate level of protection.
Hopefully you haven’t waited  until AFTER the burglary or fire to consider
your need for a home security system.

The first thing you will want to do is to think about what are your home
security risks and what you can do about them. Even before you install an alarm
system, you can lower your security risks by simply using common sense.

Burglary Prevention

With the FBI reporting that over a 10 year period about 1 in 4 homes were
burglarized, most local police departments recommend a monitored alarm system,
especially for homes containing high value items. (Is there any item of more high
value than your family?)

Residential burglars are mostly creatures of opportunity. They look for
obvious vulnerabilities like poor lighting, shrubs to hide their activities,
unlocked doors and windows, ladders lying around to help them gain access to
upstairs windows, and predictable patterns of homeowner behavior. Just by taking
a few sensible precautions, you can lower your risk.

Monitored home security systems typically take care of you once the
burglar is in the process of breaking in or is inside the house. It’s your job
to provide the “ounce of prevention” which hopefully means the monitored
security system will not be called upon.

Learn not to put out invitations to burglars. Don’t make it easy for them
to “case the joint” you live in.

Contrary to popular belief, more residential burglaries happen in the
daytime while people are at work or running errands than at night. If your car
is always parked in the driveway when you’re home and not out of sight in the
garage, you are leaving a signal for the burglar.

If you leave your garage door open with your expensive tools lying
around, you’re putting out the welcome mat and forgetting home security.

Evaluating a Monitored Home Security System

In evaluating a monitored home security system, you should compare both
features and quality, together with the company’s business reputation within
their industry.

Since you may be dealing with a local affiliate of a nationwide company
like ADT, you will want to ask for information on the local
business owner’s insurance, business license and how many years doing business
in your community. Ask for referrals from other people in your community for
whom they have done home security installations. Also ask if monitoring is done
locally or from outside the state.

One feature you should look for is sensors on the windows and doors so
that when the connection is broken the alarm is activated. Sometimes just the
sight of a sign or sticker indicating your house is protected
with a sensor system is enough to deter a burglar.

It is important for you to remember to activate the system when you leave
the house and when you re-enter the house. A home security system provides no
home security unless it is turned on!

It is equally important for you to de-activate the system after you enter
the house. If you break the connection on your alarm sensors by opening the door
and fail to give the monitoring company the “all clear,” they will start their
procedures for a potential burglary in progress.

If your system has the audible alarm feature, you’ll be reminded when the
loud shrieking alarm goes off alerting the neighbors of a potential burglar at
your house, too.

Many monitored home security systems also include a motion detector
feature. Motion detectors only protect AFTER a burglar is inside the house, so
it’s wise to have sensors on windows and doors as well.

Usually, there is a manual police/fire emergency button which you can use
to directly call for help.

Some monitored home security packages include both home intrusion and
fire protection.

Home Monitoring Systems

We all worry about the security of our homes, especially when we have a family to take care of. How do we make our homes as threat-proof as possible without turning it into Fort Knox? Obviously, nobody wants to live in a prison, but is there any way of making your home completely safe from all intruders? The answer to this question is quite obviously a no! If someone wants to get into your home, they will, but there are many ways and means of ensuring that your home is as protected as it can be and also for ensuring that it doesn’t look like an easy target.

Intruders look for homes that appear vulnerable. If you have an open window or gate, or valuables in full view of anyone that happens to pass by, you are increasing the dangers of your home security being breached. One way in which you can repel any intruders is by having a clearly visible alarm fitted to the front and back of your home. You can get some great “dummy” alarms that are less costly than full home security systems, but still look like the real thing. It just means that it isn’t worth the intruder breaking in to find out whether or not it is real!

Home Security Systems can be a little costly, especially if you decide to have a fully monitored system, as this generally includes annual subscription charges. However, a price cannot be put on you and your family’s safety. So if you can afford to pay more for a better quality system, it could prove to be a good investment, especially if you have suffered the traumatizing experience of having a break-in.  If used correctly, the security systems can be a great relief for you and your loved ones, and reduces a lot of aggravation. Claiming after a break-in, with the police and insurance companies, is a very time-consuming and irritating process, and anything can reduce that risk, is obviously a good thing. When thinking of investing in a home security system, you should think of how the cost outweighs the risk. Better quality systems will incur a bigger cost, but if you are in an area where home security is threatened regularly, the cost may be worth it in the long run.

You should make sure you shop around for the best deals and arm yourselves with as much information as possible so you know exactly what options are available and how much different packages cost. Don’t just opt in for the first one that you may see, as you could find that other companies may offer a cheaper deal. You should also find out exactly what is offered in your deal before you sign on the dotted line, and work out if there are any extra hidden charges you may have to fork out for. There are so many options available, from the simplest to the ridiculously complicated depending on the level of security you are looking for. Obvious things like signs that say your home is protected and visible CCTV cameras and alarm systems are by far the easiest and cheapest way to make sure that an intruder knows that there will be trouble if he or she decides they want to break in to your house. Broadcast the fact that you are protected and you will have less of a risk than those who have no security whatsoever.

All in all, the decision of home security systems falls on you and your personal choices, but there are people and websites dedicated to helping you find the best ways to protect your home. After all, nobody can put a price on the safety of not only you, but your family as well, and we all know the devastating effects burglary has on a family. It really does pay to be protected.
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Wireless Home Security For Renters

Home security is very important to a lot of people but when you are renting a home or apartment you do not have as many options as a homeowner would. Home security for renters can be a little more challenging because of these limited options but there are some things you can do to keep your home safe and secure.

Things like proper locks and outdoor lighting are great but they are not enough to give a lot of people the safe and secure feeling that an alarm system could provide.

You can start by asking your landlord if they would be willing to install an alarm system. They may or may not but it never hurts to ask. If your landlord is not willing to install a security system for you they may give you permission to install one yourself. However, a hardwired alarm system may be a little more invasive than your landlord would like and if this is the case a wireless system may be an option.

Even with a wireless alarm system holes may need to be drilled into walls, but they are easy to fix should you decide to remove the system. A wireless alarm system can be installed with glass break sensors and motion detectors that will not require any drilling into window and door frames. Wireless sensors usually mounted with a double-sided tape.

When it comes to home security for renters, cost may be an issue for a lot of people. There is good news though, a lot of alarm companies will provide the equipment for free as long as you commit to a monthly monitoring contract. Alarm monitoring will typically cost somewhere between $30 and $45 per month but you may be able to get a free or deeply discounted alarm system worth somewhere from $850 to $1200. Shop around, make some phone calls, search online and you’ll definitely be able to find some options that both you and your landlord can live with.