Burglars are best known for being conniving, sneaky plotters, and you appear just as dangerous to them as they are to you. When you drive by office buildings or even homes with loud red or yellow signs that say, “No Trespassing,” “Beware of Dog,” “Video Surveillance,” etc., these warning statements are probably what sticks out in your head. Why would anyone want to try breaking into a home or office that had a reliable surveillance or security system? It’s just plain risky, which is why you need to make your home less attractive to intruders by using such signage.

No Trespassing

When you own a large plot of land, it’s hard to know what’s going on several acres away from your house in the backyard. If you’re in a secluded area off of a quiet road, you probably don’t see many people trying to walk through your yard. However, that day may come, so it’s best to setup “No Trespassing” signs on all sides of your land to let all passerbys know this area is private property.

Security Warning Sign

Swann, GE, Vector and other home security companies usually provide signage when you sign up for their services. However, just because you can’t afford 24-hour surveillance for a few months, doesn’t mean you can’t put up the warning signs. You can find inexpensive home security yard signs online, and it’s great to add window decals in the mix too. Although it’s not always fool proof, these signs can be a deterrent, but it’s beneficial to have the system up and running in addition to displaying the signage.

Video Security Protection

Even if you have the most basic video surveillance that is limited to a certain area of your home, it’s still in your best interest to warn people. There are even imitation security cameras out there, so you can install these while you save up for the real thing. When criminals think they’re going to be caught on tape, it’s less likely that they’re going to target your residence.

Displaying security signage in your home or office is a simple yet effective deterrent to have in place while you prepare to purchase the real things.

Secure the Sliding Glass Door

These types of doors are the most prone to break-ins, because they’re easier to open from the outside. However, even if a burglar breaks the lock, you can stop them from being able to open the door with a sturdy piece of wood. All you have to do is measure the window track and purchase or cut a piece of scrap wood so it fits into the track. This might not require technology, but it does its job well.

Create Homemade Window Alarms

You probably have tons of pennies in a jar or in your purse that you can’t seem to get rid of. Instead of taking the time to wrap them up properly for the bank, stack them on top of your window sills. That way if an intruder tried to open your window, the pennies would scatter and the noise would hopefully wake you up.

Another more reliable option is to install battery-operated wireless window alarms. GE Smart Home has some for less than $10 per window, but you will have to continually replace and check that the battery is working.

Install a Keypad Deadbolt

This installation will run you around $200, but it might be perfect for your lifestyle, especially if you have different people coming and going. Instead of hiding an extra key or handing out copies of your house key to the maid, neighbor, family member, etc., you can give these people a personalized code. The Schlage Wireless Keypad Deadbolt has up to 19 codes.

It’s possible to secure your home without the help of a professional, and there are inexpensive options out there. So keep your eyes peeled, and if you have your heart set on something, give it some time to go on sale.

So what are we all doing wrong? Well, in addition to hidden keys, careless homeowners also leave windows open and Twitter their whereabouts openly. In addition, we rely on our hesitant and sometimes oblivious neighbors to save us from break-ins. These are definitely areas that we all need to work on, and burglary statistics only validate this.

The majority of ex-burglars agree that household break-ins are simple, and even though there are new security systems and obstacles, no job is impossible. This admission might make you raise your eyebrows.

Although you might think burglars are common crooks who have no education and just want to sell someone’s expensive possessions for drugs or cash, these individuals are smarter than you might think. These types of criminals actually do their homework by researching a target home ahead of time. How do they do this without really knowing you? Well, in addition to casing your home from a far, they also look to social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, Foursquare, etc. to determine where you’re at and how long you will be away. Of course, they can also figure out that you’re away if a sticky note is left on your door or if the mail is piling up.

In a research project performed by Home Insurance, almost half of ex-burglars revealed that nosy neighbors were not an issue. For about 28 percent of the time, neighbors ignore or pretend not to see what is happening. Think about it from their perspective…isn’t it easier not to get involved?

The viewpoint from a reformed house burglar is priceless, and it makes you realize how susceptible everyone and anyone is to a break-in.

At the end of June, Alarm.com began marketing brand new home security apps, which are available in the iTunes App Store. Of course, there are limitations to the home security you receive, but at least you can step up your game and feel a little safer.

Alarm.com App Features

If you’re an iPod or Blackberry user, the apps will work for your phone, and they’re designed for those of you out there who are always on the go—it’s definitely convenient when home security programs are tailored to your lifestyle and corresponding needs. So wherever you may be—on a yacht or in the basement—you can take control of your home or business security systems. It’s great that you can use the apps at any time, but what can they do for you?

Basically, the app can be likened to a home security remote control. You can arm and disarm the alarm at any time. You can also watch real-time video or rewind old video clips from the surveillance cameras. In addition to monitoring the inside and outside of the home through cameras, you can also determine what doors, cabinets and windows have been left open and become aware of the most recent motion activity that occurred on your property. It’s like having eyes in the back of your head. You can even access a history of events including power failures, water leaks, etc.

Whether you’re on the go with your kids or traveling for business, a mobile and handheld home security monitoring system makes life easier and safer. Just think…if you know that a door or window has been left open, you can always call your significant other or neighbor to have them shut it, which will make you less of a target for burglars. You can even check in on your pets and kids too. Alarm.com’s apps are worthwhile if you have a hectic lifestyle that takes you away from home.

DIY Security

Why has DIY home security become so simple? It’s because technology has come so far, especially with regard to wireless connectivity and the Internet. Now systems can be installed without a professional without losing valuable features such as 24-hour monitoring, sensors, computer/cell phone monitoring, etc. You just have to figure out which company is right for your castle.

General Electric (GE) has a line of simple home security tools, which include an automatic light system, a window alarm and doorstop alarm. All you have to do is put in the batteries, stick it to the wall and start monitoring. The best part about these tools is that they’re costs range from $10 to $25—you definitely can’t argue with that. However, do keep in mind that these less technical alarms will only alert you with a sound when they’re set off.

If you want higher-security measures put in place, you need to consider more expensive kits. Even though these will be higher in cost and security, they won’t be any harder to install.

LaserShield has a kit that costs about $700, and an additional $30 a month for monitoring services. The kit includes a base station, three wireless window and door sensors, one motion detector, two key-fob controllers and one smoke detector. You can add on wireless cameras or an alarm to detect floods.

Then there is LifeShield, and this company has a similar security kit for $300. Online monitoring services are $20 per month, or you could pay the company to monitor your home for you at $30 a month. With this package, you would receive a base station, eight sensors, one smoke-alarm siren detector and keychain remote.

There are various DIY home security kits available, and it’s possible to stay within your budget and not explode your brain just to try to get the system to work.

In Kansas City, some residents are creating grassroots-style crime prevention, and the Kansas City Police Department is aiding through education. Basically, the police are providing residents with security information, which can empower the residents to help themselves.

So what does community policing entail?

Police provide residents with valuable information including how to organize block watch programs as well as how to perform neighborhood crime patrols. The Kansas City police also give residents free home and business security assessment. Your local police station is the best place to go to learn more. They might even have monthly seminars available to the public or you can express your interest.

Community policing is more about monitoring the area and being more aware of your surroundings. Obviously, if you see strangers carrying flat screen televisions out of your neighbor’s house, this is a suspicious situation that should be checked out by the police. Keeping track of your neighborhood and what’s going on will help you inform the authorities as soon as an incident occurs.

By incorporating safety and security precautions into your daily lifestyle, you will be able to reduce the crime occurring in your own home and neighborhood. The idea is to keep your surroundings less of an easy target for burglars. Since the local police can’t always drive up and down your street to assess and monitor situations, you have to be responsible and aware. Community policing isn’t about taking the law into your own hands and risking your life or putting yourself or others in danger, it’s just about becoming more aware and on top of things so you can alert authorities when necessary.

It’s a misconception that home security has to be expense. Although it can be pricey, you can start with simple things such as updated locks for your windows and doors. Home improvement stores carry these, and instead of paying a professional locksmith, you can install them yourself by following the directions. Did you know that burglars more often than not gain access to people’s homes right through the front and back doors? Or another easy target for them to get through are ground floor windows. Just because you’re in a rush or it’s nice outside, doesn’t justify leaving your doors and windows unlocked.

If you’re going to invest in a security system, it’s important to figure out where you family spends most of its time. The reason for this is that you want to have the security centers in an accessible place such as the living room or bedroom. However, you also want these in a room where you can easily escape from in case of an emergency. Basic security systems can give you 24/7 security under an affordable plan.

It’s also beneficial to remind yourself of vulnerable points of entry such as pet doors, hollow-cored doors and unbolted outside doors. Maybe you can’t change or eliminate these areas, but you can put door and window sensors. Security companies have even created pet immunity sensors so your pet can still go in and out but no one else can.

Even simple keychain alarms can protect you. When you have tall shrubs in the yard as well as shaded areas near the garage, a burglar has several ways of getting closer to your home. Triggering the keychain alarm when you notice them will scare them away. However, the keychain alarm isn’t going to do you good if you’re not home, which is where a surveillance system comes into play.

There are so many home security risks that homeowners should be concerned about. Obviously, you can’t eliminate them all, but you can at least try to make steps toward decreasing the risks.

Some people who use Twitter or Facebook update their status almost religiously. Sometimes the updates are so regular that people can figure out exactly where you. This is where people’s personal safety can be at stake, because if you give out too much information about your location over the Internet, you can put yourself at risk. Although it might seem like fun to brag about wherever you’re going, you should think twice and maybe not be so detailed in your responses. It’s also wise to keep your location on your profile private or just enter the state and not your city. However, when it comes to your social media activity, it’s not just your personal security that you’re putting in jeopardy.

According to an article on Geeksugar, a UK-based website forecasted that homeowner’s insurance rates could increase due to social platform sites such as the ones mentioned above. These sites are not only connecting friends and family, but they are also used for business promotion and just for fun too. Could you imagine if your homeowner’s insurance company raised your rates by ten percent simply because you use these services?

With regard to home security, the problem isn’t necessarily checking in with people online and saying what you’re doing. The issue is with writing updates, which reveal that you’re not home. This is like an open invitation to burglars, and depending on how detailed you are, these lurkers might even know how long you will be gone.

When you look at these security concerns from this perspective, it will make you think twice when you’re writing updates on these social media sites. You can still have fun with these websites and stay in touch with friends and family, but you have to keep in mind that strangers can read this information too. In other words, choose your words wisely when using these sites and make sure to educate your children as well.

Corbi designed this house based on experience with security systems and devices, which explains why this particular mansion is well-defended. Although the homeowner hasn’t disclosed all of the security and safety features, the ones that are known are of top quality.

In addition to having a panoramic view, this residence has other offensive options. The dwelling is five stories tall, and it has a heliport on the roof in case of an emergency such as a fire so the homeowners can be whisked away to safety. There is also an elevator that takes you from the garage to all of the floors.

With 32 rooms, there is 8,000 square feet to keep track of, but if you find an intruder in this house, you can seek comfort, luxury and safety in two hidden panic rooms or the two safe cores. However, it’s unlikely that a burglar will get past the comprehensive surveillance systems. The panic rooms and safe cores are meant to protect the homeowners from intruders as well as natural disasters, nuclear attacks, biological warfare and chemical attacks.

This Los Angeles home also has some safety features to keep guests comfortable too. If your family or friends need special treatment such as a handicap-accessible bedroom and bathroom, the guest suite has it all. In case you’re wondering what’s going on outside, the master suite has a 360-degree view.

This mansion has examples of extreme home security, but if you could afford it, wouldn’t you want to be able to feel this safe and have peace of mind? How much would you pay to make your house more secure?

Adding more security devices to your home might be out of your reach for right now, but it’s best to learn from this homeowner and keep your home surveillance hush hush. Although you might want to brag about your new, cool technological equipment, it’s wise to let it remain a secret.

It’s best to have a security routine before you leave the house and while you’re at home, but you have to start somewhere. So below are some steps you should follow when you’re home for the night from work.

• Turn on an inside or outside light near your front door and back door. It’s more convenient if you can set the light on a timer. This way if you don’t make it home before it starts to get dark, the light will already be on for you.
• Set your house alarm when you’re ready to settle down for the evening. Alarm systems are not cheap, so if you pay for it, why not take the step to turn it on? It’s not going to do you much good unless you have it on, so put it on before you retire to the living room or bedroom.
• Review your surveillance cameras from the day. Were there any suspicious people at your door? Did any unusual cars stop at the end of your driveway? Small details like these are important, especially when someone breaks into your home. Also, don’t forget to check that your cameras are working and that they are activated.
• Check that all windows and doors are shut and locked. Even go down to the cellar, because you never know if someone has been tampering with your door or window in preparation to break in when you’re not around. This is a wise step, because if you have children, it’s hard to tell what they have left open or unlocked.

Abiding by your security routine will not only give you a sense of security, it will make your house less of a target. By being more aware of your surroundings and using the security features you already have, your home will be safer.