Posted on 01/20/2021 5:52:36 PM PST by Diana in Wisconsin
Sometimes the costs associated with home security can be daunting. When you buy a monitored home security system, you’re looking at a monthly monitoring fee, plus an installation fee, plus any equipment charges. Considering the financial commitment, buying a home security system may not be the right home security tactic for everyone.
Although a home security system is a great asset for those who can afford it, there are lots of ways you can fortify your home without breaking the bank. Here are some low cost home security tactics for making your home a safer place.
1. Neighbors
Your neighbors don’t have to be your best friends, but it’s a good idea to reach out to them, since your neighbors can be your first line of defense against burglars.
If you have a tight-knit neighborhood, it’s easier to spot strangers lurking around and to alert the other neighbors of suspicious activity. If a neighbor hears you calling for help or if they hear a suspicious noise coming from your house, they’re more likely to check on you if you have a rapport with them.
So, if you haven’t already, head on over to your neighbor’s with a plate of cookies and introduce yourself.
2. Outdoor Motion-Sensor Lights
Burglars prefer to work without being seen. Make it difficult for potential intruders to lurk around your home at night with motion sensor lights.
When someone approaches the perimeter of your home, bright lights will turn on. If anyone nears your doors or windows, the bright lights will come on, startling potential intruders and encouraging them to leave.
Aside from scaring away intruders, these motion sensor lights can also save you money on your electricity bill, since you don’t have to worry about leaving a porch or driveway light on all night.
3. Yard Signs and Window Stickers
A sign or window sticker warning that your home is armed by a security system may deter burglars, even if your home doesn’t really have a security system.
However, some signs and stickers look more believable than others, and if you have a fake company logo on your yard sign, it’s pretty easy nowadays for a determined thief to whip out their smartphone, Google the brand, and see if it’s a legitimate company or not.
4. A Trimmed Yard
Untamed bushes and shrubs can be an ideal hiding place for burglars. When burglars look for homes to target for a break-in, they look for tall trees and untrimmed greenery that can help conceal them while they break in through a door or window.
A simple and very cheap way that you can help deter burglars is to keep up on your yard work. When a burglar looks at your home and yard, you want them to see that there’s nowhere to hide.
5. A Real or Fake Dog
Intruders hate dealing with noisy dogs because they attract attention. However, there are risks associated with using a dog as a security measure, since burglars sometimes hurt dogs in order to keep them from barking.
An alternative is a fake barking dog. A fake barking dog includes a few different pieces of equipment. You place a sensor outside your home, and when it detects motion, a speaker inside your home plays dog barking noises.
Typically, noisy dogs are not a burglar’s friend, and it may make a burglar think twice about breaking into your home.
6. Timed Indoor Lights
You can set timed indoor lights to make it look like you’re home, even when you’re miles away.
Burglars prefer to break into homes when the occupants are nowhere to be seen. It’s less of a hassle.
If you have timed lights, you can set your lights to turn on or off at certain times of day or night. So, when you’re on vacation or getting home late at night, it will appear that someone is home, which can make potential intruders think twice.
7. FakeTV
The FakeTV Burglar Deterrent gives the impression that you’re home and watching TV in your dark or dimly lit home. It’s a small box that emits light to mimic the color and scene transitions of a television program. When someone sees the television-like glow from the outside of your home, it seems that someone is home watching TV.
Since burglars prefer to steer clear of homes when occupants are there, a FakeTV can possibly deter burglars from targeting your home.
All of the above suggestions are much cheaper than a home security system. If you’re financially strapped, these cost-efficient safety tactics should help deter intruders from your home. However, a home security system may provide the real peace of mind that other security measures can’t, so it may be a good idea to start saving your pennies and looking into getting one.
That 3M film is REALLY expensive. I priced it out for our house and dropped that plan. I went with vibration sensors on the windows that go off when the window is broken in addition to detectors that sense when the window is pried open.
Upgrade to a “Beware of Li__” . With the last two letters gnawed off raggedly. In the largest and closest tree get a staked log chain going up near to a huge treehouse looking structure. Have a piece of a chain dropping down out of said structure so as to show it is a broken chain. Get a recording of a lion roaring that you can control with a remote. Now, when anyone drives up, set it off. Go out and yell “No Leo” “Stay . . I said stay”. Then ask what their business is.
Here in PA we can be armed to the teeth, and many are. Our window stickers depict scary weapons and read, “We call 911 for cleanup.” Or “Protected by Smith and Wesson.” Or “Nothing in here worth dying for.”
I have cameras everywhere. Local police appreciate cameras.
At some properties I have, the neighbors let me put cameras on their side if the view is better.
Always know your neighbor. That way you get first dibs when they decide to sell! ;)
Get a medium/large dog breed who will notify of anyone coming near your house.
We have a rescue - pit bull husky mix. Fiercely loyal to her pack. She’s why the first shell in the Mossberg by my bed is a slug. Anything happens I know I’m going to have to shoot past her because she will take an adult off his or her feet. She’s knocked my 210 lbs down just playing, not even serious about it.
>She’s knocked my 210 lbs down just playing, not even serious about it.
Yeah, my girl is about 80 lbs. and is a beagle/something else mix. We got her against my discretion but she had a real nose for intruders and barks at anything strange. I’m 230 and when she charges people it’s hard to hold her back. Dogs like tht are golden because they don’t play around and you can find them cheap at the pound.
Take them home, feed them, pet them, let them sleep by your bed, and they’ll take a bullet for you.
👍👍😁
Joe Biden Day Care Center
No one comes by. Not even the JWs
Pyracantha is very good as a hedge or planted beneath windows.
Nah. I'm not worried about how I *look*--Any bad guys come around then there will be a missing persons report on them soon enough.
MY neighbor’s sign:
Due to the price of ammo, we are NO LONGER firing warning shots.
Another:
PRIVATE PROPERTY
I am ARMED with multiple AND I OWN A BACKHOE.
We live rural.
Like trail cameras???
My wife made me order a Ring doorbell with camera and 2-way conversation. I’m not sure if it’s for security or she just wanted another toy to play with.
Your approach is reactive. Stop them after the trouble starts.
I prefer to be proactive. Prevent trouble from arriving at your doorstep in the first place.
Yes, you should have a defensive plan in case someone gets into your home, but "shoot it out with a gang of burglars" should not be your first line of defense.
As I was taught in CCW class, if you ever do have to shoot an intruder, you really don't want to have a prosecutor waving that sign to the jury.
Then again, if they're ever stupid enough to put me on a jury, I won't mind.
The couple next door are black. So they’d be ok.
Also, I would get a few of these.
And ofcourse, I'd get a good Titan security door. Available at Lowes too.
I have had them in every home. I didn't get one for the house I am in now (initially) because I had a big, beautiful door.
Big mistake. I have one now after a 5"7" kid kicked in my front door, in broad daylight with one kick.
You will need all this and more. Caravans and drugs coming in unstoppable now.
A Large Dog bowl near your from stoop, maybe personalized with the name "Dobie"
LOL
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