Home security question...What do you have?

sarahpanda · ‎03-11-2010

Recently in my neighborhood, there has been a flurry of break-ins. I live in a rural community, no close neighbors. I have an alarm system on my house but DH says it's useless to use...that it wouldn't scare the burglars away. I don't own a dog. I feel very defenseless. What do you recommend that I do to ward off any break-ins? I've seen an electronic 'watch dog' box that is suppose to make barking sounds when it detects someone on the other side of the door...don't know exactly how that works or even if it would. Any suggestions...other than moving?

RedTop · ‎09-01-2010

We installed an alarm system after our home was burglarized in broad daylight. We have alarm sensors on all windows and doors, motion sensors in several areas, heat sensors, booster sirens inside and out, battery backup, and specific instructions with our alarm company that if the alarm sounds and one of us doesn't call within 3 minutes, call the police. When the alarm sounds, it is deafening, and you can hear our sirens a mile away---literally. I also live in a rural setting; my brother and my mother live across the road, and they are the only neighbors I can see. If I did not have neighbors, I would consider installing burglar proof bars on my back windows, and any other windows most likely to be used as an entry into the home. And I would also consider a security camera that would cover all windows and doors. The camera might not stop the break-in, but pictures would be helpful in catching the thief.

I do not put much store in the electronic barking dog. We had 2 large outside dogs tied up within feet of our back door, and I am sure they were throwing a fit when our thief broke the window and entered our house. The thief exited the house by way of the back door, and walked past the dogs, so if someone really wants inside your house, they will do whatever is necessary to get inside.

While you decide what to do, I strongly suggest hiding all jewelry and valuables. Generally, the goal for the thief is to get in and out as quickly as possible with small things they can sell for fast cash. The top things are jewelry, narcotic medications, guns, TV's, and coin collections. Do not have any jewelry and jewelry boxes in plain sight. Jewelry was the number one thing taken in our break in, and basically they took whatever they could stuff in their pockets. Best wishes to you.

Catitude · ‎01-09-2014

On 1/16/2014 RedTop said:
We installed an alarm system after our home was burglarized in broad daylight. We have alarm sensors on all windows and doors, motion sensors in several areas, heat sensors, booster sirens inside and out, battery backup, and specific instructions with our alarm company that if the alarm sounds and one of us doesn't call within 3 minutes, call the police. When the alarm sounds, it is deafening, and you can hear our sirens a mile away---literally. I also live in a rural setting; my brother and my mother live across the road, and they are the only neighbors I can see. If I did not have neighbors, I would consider installing burglar proof bars on my back windows, and any other windows most likely to be used as an entry into the home. And I would also consider a security camera that would cover all windows and doors. The camera might not stop the break-in, but pictures would be helpful in catching the thief.

I do not put much store in the electronic barking dog. We had 2 large outside dogs tied up within feet of our back door, and I am sure they were throwing a fit when our thief broke the window and entered our house. The thief exited the house by way of the back door, and walked past the dogs, so if someone really wants inside your house, they will do whatever is necessary to get inside.

While you decide what to do, I strongly suggest hiding all jewelry and valuables. Generally, the goal for the thief is to get in and out as quickly as possible with small things they can sell for fast cash. The top things are jewelry, narcotic medications, guns, TV's, and coin collections. Do not have any jewelry and jewelry boxes in plain sight. Jewelry was the number one thing taken in our break in, and basically they took whatever they could stuff in their pockets. Best wishes to you.

Very good advice.

chickenbutt · ‎03-09-2010

We use ADT.

We also have some of those security lights around the property.

Furthermore, I'm HUGE on keeping doors and windows locked. We live in a nice area, but the smarter crooks will go to the nicer areas to steal nicer stuff, so one must not become complacent.

I think, from having an entire childhood of never feeling safe, I'm really big on security just for my own piece of mind. You would have to get through four locks to get through my front door, unless you brought a battering ram. Everything is ALWAYS locked - as it should be.

I've heard people talk about how 'oh, we never lock our house or cars, etc'. Well, that's just willful ignorance. While you still don't deserve to be burgled or robbed, you are pretty much asking for it if you don't do your part to keep yourself safe.

sarahpanda · ‎03-11-2010

My thoughts exactly, Chickenbutt. My house is on about 4 acres, sits back off the road, closest neighbor is 1/2 mile away. My house is about 12 years old, 2 story, not a bad looking place I'd say. I think if I were a burglar, I'd put it on the top of my hit list. Woe is me........why did I let my husband talk me into building in 'booger woods' !!!!