| No home alarm system is completely full-proof, but those who can afford electronic security systems do rest easier and are less likely to become burglary victims. They feel secure knowing the authorities have automatically been alerted to the crime. As for their valuables, it’s not likely a thief will get away with much, especially if he’s foolish enough to enter the house with the alarm blaring and the cops on the way. However, the same bad economy that forced some people to steal to survive and provide for their families has also prevented many homeowners from purchasing state-of-the-art protection, no matter how affordable it may be. When a paid home security company is out of the question, there are still some things that a homeowner can do to make his home less attractive to thieves: - Invest in door and window alarms purchased from a hardware or department store. Some models work by numeric code while others use a key to turn the alarm on and off. Prices range from twelve to twenty dollars, respectively. These alarms do make a loud shrill noise; they might scare off a burglar, but may not be loud enough to alert a neighbor.
- Place a sturdy piece of wood against a sliding patio door frame so that the door won’t open even when unlocked.
- Make it hard for a thief to get into your house. Install quality dead-bolt locks that are resistant to “lock bumping” (Read more on this below). Use security window locks on all windows (in addition to the locks that came with the window). You can also choose a key-less entry system. (Good for family members who tend to lose their house key.)
- Keep valuables away from windows where they can easily be seen or grabbed. Regardless of an alarm or lock, a thief needs only a few seconds to break a window and snatch a laptop, high-definition television or other valuable that’s within easy reach.
- Install a motion detector outside and/or inside your home. Outdoor types include floodlights that turn on when someone is detected close to the house. The only drawback is that larger animals (dogs, possums and raccoons) tend to set off the lights, too. They don’t cost much, but an inside motion detector might be enough to scare off an intruder.
- Keep garage doors closed, storage and work sheds locked. Thieves can sell power tools, gardening equipment, riding mowers and other such property.
- Keep your cell phone charged and with you. Even if you have a bedside extension phone, it won’t help you if a thief rips out the phone line to the main handset.
- Keep trash confined, especially during the holidays and any gift-giving occasions. Boxes for expensive electronics, and wrappings for valuables that are left outside in full view, can tell a thief a lot about the home occupants.
- Keep pets licensed and invest in a microchip that will help locate your beloved dog or cat should someone steal and try to sell him.
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