Security Query

[Ricky]

Hi all Learning about sercurity sytems got a few questions

What types of sercurity is most effective?

How much do I need to spend to secure my home?

And what products do you recomend?

[Calypso]

Ricky, you don't need to spend a fortune to secure your home.

A thief needs two things to be able to enter your home: privacy and easy access. Deny him/her privacy by using bright lights at every entrance and not growing shrubbery around the windows (unless the shrubbery is thorny, in which case it may be an excellent deterrent). If you have a dog that barks when strangers come around, great.

Make sure doors and windows are closed and locked. 30% of burglars don't need to use force to enter dwelllings because they find doors and windows unlocked! Also, don't leave keys "hidden" outside. A burglar knows the hiding places as well as you do. Try to live in homes that have a solid core or metal door. If your home can be accessed through a sliding glass door, use a wooden or metal bar to place on the tracks to block entry.

If you live in a high risk neighborhood or have lots of valuables, you may also want to consider getting an alarm system. Good luck!

[Ricky]

Thanks alot for your feedback helps alot

[tater03]

Yes, those are all good suggestions. Alot of times people think that they need these high tech things but you really don't need to go right to them without trying some of the tips mentioned above first.

[SageMother]

Something that has always worked for me is to deny extra time to people who come to the door soliciting, or want to speak with me where they have plain view of items in my garage or other areas where I store things. If they can't look, they can't pick anything out to grab later.

It also helps to have things stored in such a way that it is difficult for anyone to just walk in and find what they want quickly!

[Calypso]

Good tip about people who come to the door soliciting. If you want to talk to them, step outside and close the door behind you. If you don't (far more likely), simply say "No thanks" and close the doors in their faces.

[iStorm]

The only problem i see with trying some of the other ones first, is the way you will find out they dont work will be burglary! An alarm system shouldnt set you back more than £250.00, you may even get house insurance discount so off set that against the cost, say over 10 years and see if it pays for it self?? just a thought, hope this helps

[Home Security Advisor]

What types of security is most effective?
A complete monitored system. All first floor windows and doors secured. Visual yard signs and window stickers. Personal habits (locking all doors/windows). A dog never hurts as well.

How much do I need to spend to secure my home?
As much as you feel necessary. There are many different plans for each provider. They are relatively inexpensive now with such a competitive market.

And what products do you recommend?
Window and door sensors, motion detectors and glass break detectors. For added safety, a monitored carbon monoxide and smoke detector.