Don't just go out and buy a system and install the components haphazardly.

Start on the outside of the house. Have a notepad and pencil handy, and note down all your plans regarding the type of equipment you will employ, and where it will be positioned, along with any other relevant notes. Firstly, are there any outbuildings that need protecting? Then think 'If I were a thief, where would the best entry point(s) be to gain access to my house?'. You must then decide how best to protect these areas. Maybe some can be protected by means other than electronic security devices - for example steel shutters; window bars; adequate locks. In the majority of cases these will deter all but the most determined criminal. Otherwise consider security lighting that will be triggered by body heat and/or CCTV cameras with night vision that can be set to warn the homeowner by various means - e.g. Mobile phone; email alert; direct link to a dedicated security centre.

When you are satisfied that you have considered all the exterior security, start on the interior. Go round the house and position yourself at the entry points that you previously identified. You're a thief again now, so think - 'Where will I go now, and what security equipment, positioned where, would either deter me or detect me?'. You then have to decide what security equipment you are going to use. Passive Infrared sensors will detect the body heat of any intruder; cctv's should also be utilised. Window and door sensors should be considered too.

Would you want a loud audible alarm to sound. I don't know about your part of the world, but in my area, there are alarms going off regularly, with nobody seeming to pay any attention. Of course, it will un-nerve some intruders, so it is advisable. Another alternative is to have the system monitored by a dedicated intruder alarm monitoring service. If also connected to a cctv system they can view their monitors and decide if action is required. A lot of systems will allow you to key in a few telephone numbers that will be dialled if motion is detected. Most CCTV systems can be set up to operate only on detection of motion, and then can perform a number of tasks. They can again contact interested parties by telephone, SMS, and email, and can even transmit the video pictures to a dedicated website which can be viewed from anywhere in the world.

Of course, if you are operating on a limted budget, you will have to prioritise which areas of your property need protection. But please remember to use reliable security equipment from reputable manufacturers.

So remember, follow my advice. Buy the best security equipment your budget will allow and ...... Think Like a Thief!