In many cases, the key to home security is actually the windows. Houses with less secure windows get broken into far more often than houses with secure ones, as windows are the number one point of entry for burglars. You should always make sure to use the toughest glass you can, and have locks fitted to the windows. Never leave your windows open when you go out, either – even really high up ones that you wouldn’t expect anyone to be able to get to. Also, never leave ladders lying around in your garden – lock them up in a garage or shed instead.
Doors are also a common point of security weakness. Your door should be sturdy and bulky, with a well-built lock that can’t just be forced open easily. You should also make sure to be careful about losing your keys, and never store them together with something that could reveal your address.
Of course, that’s not to say that alarms aren’t effective, although for the most part they are better as a deterrent than they are at detecting and helping to catch a burglar. Fitting a visible alarm to the front and back of your house is the simplest thing you can do to put a burglar off (they’ll go for your neighbours instead), but a well-made fake alarm box generally works just as well for this as a real one. Front and back lights that come on when someone gets close also make a very good deterrent, as well as being convenient for you when you come home late and want to get the key in the lock.
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!
Both John Gibb & Phil Fox are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
John Gibb has sinced written about articles on various topics from Adware, Legal Matters and Family. John Gibb is the owner of , For more information on home security please check out. John Gibb's top article generates over 60500 views. to your Favourites.
Phil Fox has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Security, Home Security. Phil Fox is an expert on setting up home security systems, and has written many articles on all aspects of the subject, including security alarms and CCTV surveillance. He hosts a comprehensive site on the subject at. Phil Fox's top article generates over 27100 views. to your Favourites.